Three Women Basketball Legends Inducted Into Hall of Fame Together

SAN ANTONIO (April 5, 2025) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2025, featuring nine inductees, including women’s basketball icons Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, and Maya Moore. The announcement coincided with the festivities surrounding the NCAA Men’s Final Four, and the enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for September 5-6.

The Hall’s president and CEO John L. Doleva expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s class embodies excellence, innovation, and an enduring passion for basketball.” The three basketball legends are celebrated for their transformative contributions to the sport and will be the first all-female trio inducted in the same year.

Sue Bird, a revered figure in the WNBA, is known for her unparalleled leadership as a point guard with the Seattle Storm. Over her 21-season career, she accumulated numerous records, including being the all-time leader in assists with 3,234. Bird amassed four WNBA championships and five Olympic gold medals, earning her place as one of the greatest players in league history.

Sylvia Fowles, a dominant force on defense, ended her career as the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Fowles was a crucial part of the Minnesota Lynx’s success, earning two championships while being named Finals MVP in both title runs. Fowles also proudly claimed four Olympic gold medals during her international play.

Maya Moore, who stepped away from basketball to focus on social justice, led the Lynx to four WNBA titles in her eight-season career. She was a six-time All-Star and received MVP honors in 2014. Moore’s legacy extends beyond her playing career, as she has made significant strides in advocating for reform in the criminal justice system.

The Class of 2025 also features celebrated individuals from men’s basketball, including NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, as well as the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, known as the “Redeem Team,” which restored confidence in American basketball post-2004. This diverse mix of inductees showcases the evolution of the sport across different levels.

“It’s surreal,” Bird expressed upon receiving the honor. “I don’t think there’s any way to really wrap your head around it.” In a similar vein, Fowles remarked, “I don’t think [any] one of us goes into this thinking that we’re going to be Hall of Famers. You just do your job, and when it’s all said and done, the job is complete.”

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will host the enshrinement ceremonies in Springfield, Massachusetts, and at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. VIP packages and tickets for the event are available at hoophall.com/events/enshrinement-2025. This ceremony will mark a historic milestone as fans and peers celebrate the remarkable careers of these trailblazing players.

As the WNBA continues to grow, the induction of Bird, Fowles, and Moore highlights the invaluable contributions of women in sports and sets a precedent for future classes.