Sparks to Honor Two-Time WNBA Champion DeLisha Milton-Jones by Retiring Her Jersey

Sparks to Retire DeLisha Milton-Jones’ No. 8 Jersey

The Los Angeles Sparks will honor former player DeLisha Milton-Jones by retiring her No. 8 jersey on July 28 during their matchup against the New York Liberty, coinciding with the WNBA’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Milton-Jones played a pivotal role in the Sparks’ success over her 11-year career with the team, contributing to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002. Reflecting on the upcoming ceremony, she expressed her emotions, stating, “It’s like one of those moments where it’s Christmas, and you’re anticipating getting a gift… that feeling you can’t even describe is rather euphoric and nostalgic all at the same time.”

As the fourth player in Sparks history to have her number retired, Milton-Jones joins notable teammates Lisa Leslie (No. 9), Penny Toler (No. 11), and Candace Parker (No. 3). Excited about the event, she remarked, “I’m going to be cheesing from ear-to-ear. I’m probably going to be fighting back tears, because… it taught me so much about being a winner, and that turned into being a champion two times over.”

Currently serving as the head coach at Old Dominion, the 51-year-old Milton-Jones was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. Over her 17-year WNBA career, which began when she was drafted fourth overall by the Sparks in 1999, she set the record for the most games played in league history—a record later surpassed by Sue Bird. During her time, she also played for teams in Atlanta, New York, Washington, and San Antonio. Notably, she returned to the Sparks for a second stint from 2008 to 2012.

Milton-Jones ranks 16th in WNBA history with 5,571 career points. Her contributions were especially significant during the Sparks’ inaugural championship run in 2001, where she averaged 17.0 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. She played all 40 minutes of Game 1 in the 2002 WNBA Finals, showcasing her dedication and skill with 17 points, three blocks, and two steals.

The Sparks and Liberty first faced each other in the inaugural WNBA game back in 1997, and the team aims to honor its legacy during this landmark season. Milton-Jones noted, “We had been talking about a number retirement ceremony for a few years, but the timing felt right to do it this year.” After receiving the formal confirmation a month ago, she shared, “I cried like a baby. I was just elated that it was finally going to happen.”