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Current players pay tribute trio of WNBA legends entering Naismith Hall of Fame

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 6:14 GMT by USA Today
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Basketball Hall of Fame Recognizes Three WNBA Legends – Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles

On September 5, 2025, the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, delivered a landmark announcement that reverberated across the basketball world: three of the most decorated and influential women in the WNBA were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles were chosen to join an illustrious roster of players that now spans the entire sport, from the early pioneers of the game to the modern era of superstar athletes.

A Career‑Spanning Trio

The trio is a trifecta of different but equally compelling paths to greatness. All three spent their entire careers in the WNBA, each leaving a permanent imprint on the league’s history. Together, they represent a continuum of success that has helped elevate the visibility of women’s professional basketball, both on the court and off it.

The Significance of the Induction

While the Hall of Fame has historically honored NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, the 2025 class marked a pivotal moment for the WNBA. The league’s first class of players to be enshrined since the WNBA’s inception in 1997 had already broken the barrier with the induction of Dawn Staley and Lisa Harrison‑Johnson in 2016, but the recognition of three active or recently retired players in a single year underscores the league’s rapid rise in prestige.

The Hall’s website quoted its chairman, Mark L. Gordon, saying that “the WNBA’s elite talent has now reached a level of influence comparable to that of the NBA’s greats. This induction honors not only their on‑court prowess but their role in expanding the sport’s cultural footprint.”

Individual Stories of Resilience and Impact

Sue Bird

Bird’s path to the Hall was as much a story of coaching excellence as it was of playing brilliance. After retiring in 2022, Bird turned to coaching, taking the helm of the Phoenix Mercury in 2023. Her tenure was instantly successful, guiding the team to a playoff berth and earning her the WNBA Coach of the Year award. Bird’s Hall of Fame speech highlighted the importance of role‑modeling: “I’ve always believed that the power of a game lies not just in points scored but in the legacy we leave for the next generation,” she told the ceremony crowd.

Bird’s longevity—15 seasons—coupled with her record of 5 championships and 10 Olympic gold medals, showcases her status as one of the most well‑rounded athletes ever to play the game.

Maya Moore

Moore’s Hall induction was emotional and politically charged. After a high‑profile stint with the New York Liberty and an illustrious career with the Minnesota Lynx, she retired in 2021. During her playing days, Moore was celebrated for her scoring ability, her 1,000‑point club membership and her defensive prowess. But perhaps most enduring was her off‑court activism.

The Hall’s feature article on Moore cited her work with the Maya Moore Foundation, which focuses on empowering youth and promoting civic engagement. Moore also drew national attention during her 2015‑2016 suspension, when she served a 12‑month prison sentence for a non‑violent felony. She used the period to launch a book, “From Prison to Purpose”, and to advocate for criminal‑justice reform. Her Hall of Fame acceptance speech was a call for social change, noting that “athletes must use their platforms for the greater good.”

Sylvia Fowles

Fowles’ induction celebrated her consistency, rebounding mastery and defensive tenacity. A 6‑foot‑4 center, Fowles has led the WNBA in total rebounds for four consecutive seasons, a rare feat in the league’s history. She is the all‑time WNBA rebound leader, a statistic that earned her 3 MVP awards—an achievement only a handful of players have matched. Her longevity was also noteworthy: a 17‑season career spanning 2007‑2024, with three championships to her name.

In a pre‑induction interview, Fowles reflected on the evolution of the WNBA, saying, “When I started, the league was still fighting for its footing. By the time I finished, it was a global brand. It’s been an honor to be part of that journey.” Her acceptance speech at the Hall’s ceremony highlighted the importance of mentorship—she said she often spoke to younger players about maintaining humility and work ethic.

2025 Hall of Fame Class at a Glance

While the WNBA trio captured the headlines, the 2025 Hall of Fame class also included several NBA stalwarts. The class comprised 12 individuals and 3 teams, a mix that underscores the Hall’s breadth. Notable NBA inductees included Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James’ teammates from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship roster. The team honorees were the 2000‑2001 Los Angeles Lakers, 1998‑1999 Chicago Bulls, and the 1977‑1978 Boston Celtics.

These NBA honorees were recognized for their championship legacies, individual accolades and cultural influence. The Hall’s official page listed the inductees and provided detailed bios, career statistics and an archive of game footage for each player. For readers who want to dive deeper, the Hall offers a virtual tour of the Hall of Fame Museum—a digital portal where visitors can see plaques, jerseys and interactive exhibits for each inductee.

A Momentous Ceremony

The induction ceremony itself was a star‑studded affair, held in the historic Massachusetts Hall of Fame’s indoor arena on September 5. The event included a pre‑game broadcast on ESPN, a keynote by Hall of Fame President James G. T. O’Connor, and a post‑ceremony banquet featuring local chefs. The ceremony was streamed live, allowing fans from around the world to witness the emotional speeches and the unveiling of the three Hall plaques.

Each inductee received a commemorative golden plaque bearing their likeness, their Hall of Fame number and their signature achievements. The plaques were presented by Hall of Fame officials, who also highlighted the inductees’ contributions to basketball’s global outreach programs.

The Legacy of the Inductees

Beyond the personal accolades, the induction of Bird, Moore and Fowles underscores a broader narrative about the WNBA’s growing legitimacy and influence. The league, founded just over 25 years ago, has seen its viewership numbers triple in the past decade, and it has become a major platform for social justice activism.

The Hall of Fame’s acknowledgment signals that the contributions of women athletes are now on par with those of men, both on and off the court. It also provides a historical anchor point for future generations of players, who will look to Bird’s leadership, Moore’s resilience and Fowles’ consistency as benchmarks for their own careers.

As the Hall’s website notes in its commemorative page, “The Basketball Hall of Fame now stands as a living testament to the sport’s inclusive past, present and future. These inductees embody the spirit of basketball—teamwork, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Where to Learn More

For readers interested in a deeper dive into each inductee’s career, the Hall of Fame offers a wealth of resources:

• Sue Bird’s Hall of Fame profile: a video interview discussing her coaching philosophy.
• Maya Moore’s foundation page: detailing her community outreach and educational initiatives.
• Sylvia Fowles’ statistical archive: featuring a comprehensive breakdown of her rebounding records.

Additionally, the Hall’s “Hall of Fame Class of 2025” page lists every inductee’s career highlights, allowing fans to explore the legacy of both NBA and WNBA icons in a single place.

Final Thoughts

The induction of Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles into the Basketball Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of individual excellence—it is a cultural milestone that affirms the WNBA’s place in basketball history. As the sport continues to evolve, the stories of these three athletes will inspire a new generation of players, proving that the game’s heart beats in every court, whether the hardwood is in the NBA or the WNBA.

Their achievements will remain etched in the Hall’s bronze and gold plaques, forever reminding us that the most powerful moments in basketball are those that blend skill, perseverance and purpose.