Caitlin Clark-Maya Moore relationship, explained: Why Lynx legend's jersey retirement is special for Fever star

The Minnesota Lynx will honor four-time WNBA champion Maya Moore with a jersey retirement ceremony on Aug. 24. The ceremony falls on the same night that the Lynx host Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever for a second time this season.

While the night will be about Moore's incredible career with Minnesota, it will also be the latest chapter of her story as an influential figure for Clark, who grew up a fan of Moore and the Lynx.

With Moore set to become the fifth player to have their jersey retired in Lynx franchise history, here's a look at her relationship with Clark and how they've now been there for one another during major moments in their respective careers.

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Caitlin Clark-Maya Moore relationship, explained

Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, Clark quickly gravitated to basketball. Clark is on record as being a fan of the Lynx as Minneapolis is the closest WNBA city to her hometown.

Clark was nine years old when the Lynx selected Moore first overall in the 2011 WNBA Draft. Moore quickly became a superstar in Minnesota, earning Rookie of the Year honors and winning her first WNBA title in 2011.

Throughout her ascension to superstardom, Clark has almost always credited Moore as her inspiration to make it this far in the sport. Back in March, Clark's fandom was on full display.

Ahead of Clark's senior night at Iowa, she was surprised by Moore during an interview with ESPN's Elle Duncan. Clark's reaction was a wholesome reminder that superstars can get starstruck, too.

As Clark tried to remain composed during an interview next to her idol, she recalled the excitement she felt when meeting Moore at a basketball camp in 2012.

In 2024, that same excitement was visible on Clark's face and in her demeanor.

Moore spoke on the importance of being an inspiration and growing the game before speaking on how proud she was of Clark. With Moore in attendance, Clark rewrote the NCAA history book by surpassing Pete Maravich as the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball history.

Nearly six months later, Clark will be in the building when her childhood idol is immortalized in Lynx lore.

"It's a very full circle moment for myself," Clark said of the upcoming game. "I'm getting to live out my dream of playing in the WNBA and be in the arena when they're retiring her jersey — someone that's done so much for this league and society and the world.

"She's a great individual, a great person. Obviously, getting to meet her at the end of my college career was really cool. To have her in Carver-Hawkeye Arena for a game and now, getting to go play at the Target Center in a place where I went to my first WNBA game and be there for her night will be really special."

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Maya Moore WNBA stats, accomplishments

When you run the resume, it becomes very clear how Moore could have been a role model for an up-and-coming basketball player. After winning two national championships and two National College Player of the Year awards at UConn, Moore quickly brought her winning ways to the W.

Over 271 games and eight seasons, Moore averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for the Lynx. The accomplishments speak for themselves.

• Four-time WNBA champion (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
• 2011 WNBA Rookie of the Year
• 2013 WNBA Finals MVP
• 2014 WNBA MVP
• Seven-time All-WNBA selection
• Six-time WNBA All-Star
• Two-time WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
• 2014 WNBA scoring champion
• 2018 WNBA steals leader
• WNBA 20th Anniversary Team
• WNBA 25th Anniversary Team