Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles signed a contract for what is expected to be her final season in the WNBA, the team announced Tuesday.
Financial terms were not disclosed for Fowles, the league’s 2017 Most Valuable Playe, two-time WNBA champion and Finals MVP (2015, 2017). Fowles, 36, will be playing in her eighth season in Minnesota and 15th in the league.
“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.”
Fowles became a four-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year last season, joining Tamika Catchings as the lone players in league history to win the award at least that many times. Catchings won it five times.
“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,” Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor said. “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.”
Fowles averaged 16.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game last season. She also led the WNBA in field goal efficiency at 64.0 percent.
“I cannot understate our appreciation for not only Sylvia Fowles the basketball player, but more importantly, Sylvia Fowles the person,” Lynx head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve said. “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.”
A seven-time All-Star, Fowles was selected second overall by Chicago in the 2008 WNBA Draft.
–Field Level Media
