Sylvia Fowles will return to the Minnesota Lynx for her 15th season in the WNBA, which will also be her last. The Lynx announced Fowles’ return and subsequent retirement in a video posted to social media.
FOR HER FINAL SEASON...
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) February 1, 2022
𝙎𝙔𝙇 𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆. pic.twitter.com/0aEBty61G2
The center has had a Hall of Fame-worthy career, winning two titles with the Lynx (2015, 2017) and winning the WNBA Finals MVP both years. She was also named league MVP in 2017. Last August, she won her fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
“Sylvia is a franchise leader both on and off the court and her heart is such a big part of this Minnesota family and fanbase,” said Minnesota Lynx owner Glen Taylor. “We are elated that she will spend her final year with the Lynx and look forward to celebrating Syl and her illustrious career throughout the season.”
She’ll enter her eighth season with Minnesota after being acquired by the team in a three-team trade in 2015. Fowles began her career in 2008 with the Chicago Sky as their No. 2 overall pick.
A seven-time All-Star, she has appeared in 378 career games between the Sky and the Lynx, averaging 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks through 30.4 minutes per game. Entering the 2022 season, she is the WNBA’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (59.7%), rebounds (3,712), and double-doubles (180).
“I cannot understate our appreciation for not only Sylvia Fowles the basketball player, but more importantly, Sylvia Fowles the person,” said head coach and GM Cheryl Reeve. “Her loyalty and belief in our franchise is beyond measure. I am thrilled that Syl is returning to the Lynx for her final season in the WNBA and look forward to her continuing to etch her mark as the greatest center in WNBA history.”
In September, Fowles was named to the W25, honoring the 25 greatest and most influential players in WNBA history.
She announced her return in late January but team’s couldn’t announce the signing until Feb. 1.
“There are a few reasons why I chose to play another year”, Fowles said. “The main reason for my return had a lot to do with our fans. I wanted to make sure I gave them the opportunity to see me play my final season. It feels right that my playing career finishes in Minnesota; there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”