Maya Moore, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, has left an indelible mark both on and off the court. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $500,000 to $2 million, amassed through her illustrious WNBA career, endorsements, and advocacy work. At 36 years old, Moore is married to Jonathan Irons, whose wrongful conviction she helped overturn. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 178 lbs, she’s a towering presence. This article delves into her biography, salary, dating history, height, weight, and her transformative journey, offering fresh insights into her legacy.
Early Life and Background: Maya Moore’s Age and Roots
Born on June 11, 1989, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Maya April Moore grew up under the care of her single mother, Kathryn Moore. Her passion for basketball sparked at age three when her mother mounted a hoop on their apartment door. This early exposure shaped Moore’s trajectory, leading her to become one of the greatest winners in women’s basketball history, as dubbed by Sports Illustrated in 2017. Her age in 2025, 36, reflects a career that transitioned from athletic dominance to impactful social justice advocacy.
Moore’s upbringing was grounded in resilience. Raised without her father, Mike Dabney, a former collegiate basketball player, she found inspiration in her mother’s dedication. Her younger sisters, Olivia and Ashley Dabney, also pursued athletics, with Olivia playing basketball at Rutgers Preparatory School. This family dynamic fostered Moore’s competitive spirit, evident from her high school days at Collins Hill High School, where she led her team to a 125-3 record.
Basketball Career: Achievements, Salary, and WNBA Legacy
Moore’s basketball journey is a testament to her unparalleled skill. At the University of Connecticut, she led the Huskies to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2009 and 2010, earning the John Wooden Award in 2009. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Moore won four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and the 2014 WNBA MVP Award. Her salary during her WNBA tenure peaked at $117,000 in the 2020–2021 season, supplemented by international contracts in Spain, Russia, and China.
Her international stints, including with Shanxi Flame and UMMC Ekaterinburg, bolstered her earnings, with overseas salaries often exceeding WNBA pay. However, the grueling year-round schedule took a toll, as Moore revealed in a 2023 Time interview, describing subpar conditions like showering with a cold hose in China. Her endorsement deals with Nike, Air Jordan, and UnitedHealthcare significantly contributed to her net worth, estimated between $500,000 and $2 million in 2025.
Moore retired from the WNBA in January 2023 to focus on advocacy and family, a decision driven by burnout and a desire for purpose beyond basketball. Her career stats—18.4 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists—cement her as a WNBA legend.
Personal Life: Married to Jonathan Irons, No Dating Rumors
Maya Moore is married to Jonathan Irons, a man she helped free from a wrongful 22-year prison sentence. Their relationship began as a friendship in 2007 when Moore, then 18, met Irons through her godparents. Her advocacy for his release, starting in 2019, culminated in his freedom in July 2020. The couple married in September 2020 and welcomed their son, Jonathan Hughston Irons Jr., in February 2022. Moore’s Instagram posts reflect her commitment to privacy, rarely showcasing her son to shield him from media scrutiny.
Unlike many celebrities, Moore’s dating history lacks public speculation. Pre-marriage rumors about her sexuality, sparked by her private nature, were never substantiated. She addressed these in a 2015 Forbes interview, emphasizing her focus on basketball and faith. Her Christian beliefs remain central, guiding her advocacy and family life. “Our faith is the foundation of everything we do,” Moore shared in a 2023 NPR interview, highlighting her bond with Irons.
Social Justice Advocacy: A Legacy Beyond Basketball
Moore’s impact transcends sports. Her work with Win With Justice, her advocacy organization, focuses on criminal justice reform, inspired by Irons’ case. She paused her career in 2019 to advocate for his release, a move that cost her peak earning years but earned global respect. In 2024, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2025, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honored her contributions.
Her memoir, Love and Justice, co-written with Irons, details their journey and her shift from athlete to activist. “I learned to approach life with an open hand,” Moore said, reflecting on her transition. This advocacy has elevated her net worth indirectly through speaking engagements and book sales, though her focus remains impact over profit.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Athletic Prowess
At 6 feet tall and 178 lbs, Moore’s height and weight gave her a competitive edge as a forward. Her agility and strength made her a scoring threat, with 80 three-point field goals in her UConn freshman year alone. Her physicality, combined with mental toughness, defined her dominance, as noted by coach Geno Auriemma, who called her “a game-changer” in a 2024 ESPN feature.
Maya Moore Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maya April Moore |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1989 |
| Age (2025) | 36 years |
| Birthplace | Jefferson City, Missouri, USA |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 178 lbs (70.8 kg) |
| Parents | Kathryn Moore (mother), Mike Dabney (father) |
| Siblings | Olivia Dabney, Ashley Dabney |
| Education | University of Connecticut |
| Marital Status | Married to Jonathan Irons (September 2020) |
| Children | Jonathan Hughston Irons Jr. (born February 2022) |
| WNBA Team | Minnesota Lynx (2011–2018) |
| WNBA Championships | 4 (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) |
| WNBA MVP | 2014 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (2012, 2016) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $500,000–$2 million |
| Salary (Peak WNBA) | $117,000 (2020–2021 season) |
| Endorsements | Nike, Air Jordan, UnitedHealthcare |
| Advocacy Work | Win With Justice, criminal justice reform |
| Retirement Date | January 16, 2023 |
| Hall of Fame | Women’s Basketball (2024), Naismith Memorial (2025) |
Unique Insights: The Cost of Advocacy
Moore’s decision to step away from basketball at her prime offers a case study in prioritizing purpose over profit. By forgoing a potential $200,000+ annual WNBA salary and lucrative overseas contracts, she invested in Irons’ freedom, a choice few athletes make. Her story parallels that of Colin Kaepernick, who sacrificed NFL earnings for social justice, yet Moore’s quieter approach garnered less controversy but equal impact. Data from the WNBA shows players earn an average of $102,751 in 2025, highlighting the financial risk Moore took.
Conclusion: Maya Moore’s Enduring Legacy
Maya Moore’s journey from a basketball prodigy to a social justice icon is inspiring. Her net worth, age, height, weight, and married life with Jonathan Irons reflect a life of purpose. While her salary and endorsements built her wealth, her advocacy work defines her legacy. Follow her journey on Instagram and explore her story on Wikipedia or WNBA.com. As Moore continues her advocacy, her influence will resonate for generations.
