With 16 players out of the 30 already announced, the excitement for the league’s start is building up every day. Unrivaled is also making sure to keep fans on their toes with their hints. Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier co-founded the league and there’s a possibility that they might add the retired players to the competition. With Maya Moore’s recent jersey retirement by the Lynx, many fans feel she could be the next player to return, but will she?

The Target Center in Minneapolis roared her name as the Lynx raised the legend’s No. 23 jersey to the rafters. Even Bulls #23, Michael Jordan made her feel extra special, as the Jordan brand gifted Maya Moore with gold sneakers, commemorating each of her biggest achievements in physical memorabilia. Right from the Rookie of the Year (2011) to her 4 WNBA titles, all became a part of this gesture.

A few days after the jersey retirement ceremony, Unrivaled asked a question that opened Pandora’s box as they wrote on their X, “If you could bring one player out of retirement to play in Unrivaled… WHO WOULD IT BE🤔 Tag them⬇️.”

With over 50k views in an hour, the social media team of Unrivaled has definitely caused a lot of stir on the internet. And a reply on the post has left the fans puzzled.

Fans want Maya Moore to take part in Unrivaled

The fan on X replied with a screenshot from the Instagram comment, where the admin seemingly confirmed the next player. “Maya Moore is Unrivaled 👑,” wrote Unrivaled social media account. Although it is difficult to say on which post the comment was made, the majority of fans are excited about the former Lynx player.

The 4x WNBA Champion last played in the WNBA in 2018. She focused on her family and social justice reforms and in January of last year; she announced her retirement. Her jersey retirement ceremony took place this month, and a fan is questioning the timing of it. The fan wrote, “Don’t think this is maya but with the timing of this right after the shirt retirement this feels cruel🤣😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.”

A fan uploaded the highlights and the compilation of the 2x Olympian gold medalist to drive the point home. Although she needs no introduction, no one can forget Game 3 of the 2015 WNBA Finals buzzer-beater. Another netizen wrote, “The Goat of course Maya!!!” 

Another fan quickly connected the dots and listed the name of the player who retired this year. The 3x WNBA champion Candace Parker retired in April this year and has taken an executive role with the sneaker brand. Being the President of Adidas Women’s Basketball, a fan feels it’s her time to come out of retirement, as they wrote, “I do not believe Maya Moore is playing basketball again, so I will say, Candace Parker.”

But, the majority sentiment was with Maya Moore. “@MooreMaya ….also just say she playing and stop playing 😂,” wrote the fan. Such is the confidence that the 2x NCAA champion is expected to be a part of the league. But, will they save the announcement for #23, and announce Caitlin Clark as the 22nd player, given the long-standing relationship between the two?