New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones is set to have her No. 35 jersey retired by the Connecticut Sun on June 8, 2026. The honor recognizes her status as one of the franchise’s most impactful players, occurring during the Sun’s final season in Connecticut before the team relocates to Houston next year.
Why the Connecticut Sun is Honoring Jonquel Jones
The decision to retire Jones’s number serves as a permanent recognition of her legacy within the organization. According to Sun president Jen Rizzotti, raising the jersey into the rafters is a tribute to one of the greatest players in franchise history and a lasting reminder of her impact on the team and its fans. Jones, who was acquired by Connecticut in a 2016 draft-night trade with the Los Angeles Sparks involving Chelsea Gray, spent several seasons with the organization before moving to the New York Liberty in 2023.
Jones ranks fifth in Connecticut Sun franchise history with 2,657 points and holds the record for most blocks with 270. She also sits third on the team’s all-time rebounding list with 1,633 boards.
The Evolution of WNBA Franchise Legacies
Retiring a jersey while a player is still active in the league represents a shift in how teams approach historical honors. Jones described the experience as “new territory” and expressed excitement about the recognition. Beyond her statistical dominance, Jones helped lead the Sun to WNBA Finals appearances in 2019 and 2022 and earned the league’s MVP award in 2021.
The ceremony is part of a broader effort by the franchise to honor six former members during its “Sunset Season.” In addition to Jones, the team is celebrating the contributions of Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, Tina Charles, and coaches Curt Miller and Mike Thibault.
Comparing Franchise Greats
Jones joins an elite group of Connecticut legends already memorialized in the arena. Her jersey will hang alongside those of:
- Margo Dydek
- Katie Douglas
- Nykesha Sales
- Taj McWilliams-Franklin
- Lindsay Whalen
- Asjha Jones
To track player milestones and historical rankings, visit the official WNBA statistics portal. Understanding these metrics provides deeper context for why certain players receive franchise-level honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Connecticut Sun play after this season?
The team is playing its final season in Connecticut during the 2026 “Sunset Season” and will move to Houston starting next year.
How many points did Jonquel Jones score for the Sun?
Jones scored a total of 2,657 points during her tenure with the Connecticut Sun, placing her fifth in the franchise’s all-time scoring history.
Who else is being honored by the Sun during the “Sunset Season”?
In addition to Jonquel Jones, the organization is honoring Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, Tina Charles, Curt Miller, and Mike Thibault.
What do you think about the Sun’s decision to retire jerseys during their final season in Connecticut? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the future of the WNBA.
