The Pinnacle of Honor: Retired Numbers in the WNBA

Having a number retired is one of the highest honors an athlete can receive, symbolizing a career of excellence and a lasting legacy. Since the WNBA's inception in 1997, numerous players have been celebrated in this way. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most iconic players whose jerseys have been retired.

Recent Retirements

In 2025, the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky will honor Candace Parker by retiring her No. 3 jersey. The Sky will also retire Allie Quigley's jersey. The Phoenix Mercury plan to retire Diana Taurasi's jersey in 2026.

Historical Retirements

Charlotte Sting

• Andrea Stinson, No. 32
  • Career Highlights: Two-time All-WNBA, three-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 12.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.0 APG

Connecticut Sun

• Margo Dydek, No. 12

  • Career Highlights: Two-time All-Defense, eight-time blocks champion, two-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 10 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 APG

• Lindsay Whalen, No. 13

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, four-time WNBA champion, five-time All-WNBA, five-time All-Star
  • Sun Stats: 11.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG

Houston Comets

• Kim Perrot, No. 10

  • Career Highlights: Two-time WNBA champion (a third posthumously awarded), first number retired in league history
  • Career Stats: 7.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.0 APG

• Cynthia Cooper, No. 14

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, four-time WNBA champion, two-time MVP, three-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 21 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.9 APG

Indiana Fever

• Tamika Catchings, No. 24
  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, one-time WNBA champion, one-time MVP, 10-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 16.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG

Los Angeles Sparks

• Lisa Leslie, No. 9

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, two-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP, eight-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 17.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 APG

• Penny Toler, No. 11

  • Career Highlights: Two-time WNBA champion as general manager, scored first basket in WNBA history
  • Career Stats: 10 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.0 APG

Minnesota Lynx

• Maya Moore, No. 23

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, four-time WNBA champion, one-time MVP, six-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.3 APG

• Seimone Augustus, No. 33

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, four-time WNBA champion, six-time All-WNBA, eight-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 15.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.3 APG

Phoenix Mercury

• Michele Timms, No. 7
  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, one-time All-Star, Mercury's career leader in assists upon retirement
  • Career Stats: 7.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.7 APG

Seattle Storm

• Sue Bird, No. 10

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, four-time WNBA champion, eight-time All-WNBA, 13-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 11.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.6 APG

• Lauren Jackson, No. 15

  • Career Highlights: Hall of Fame, three-time MVP, two-time WNBA champion, seven-time All-Star
  • Career Stats: 18.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.4 APG

Conclusion

These players have left an indelible mark on the WNBA, and their retired numbers serve as a testament to their extraordinary contributions to the sport. For more updates and detailed statistics, visit the ESPN WNBA hub page.