Basketball icon Candace Parker, who announced her retirement from professional play in April 2024, continues to make headlines as her unparalleled career is celebrated with significant honors. The WNBA legend recently saw her No. 3 jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks, with the Chicago Sky set to follow suit later this summer, cementing her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Parker, affectionately known as “Ace,” concluded her illustrious 16-season WNBA career on April 28, 2024, via an Instagram announcement, signaling a shift to focus on her family and expanding roles in broadcasting and business. Her retirement marked the end of an era for a player who consistently redefined versatility and excellence on the court. Just over a week later, on May 8, 2024, Adidas announced Parker as the new President of Women’s Basketball, a testament to her enduring influence off the court as well. This appointment builds on a long-standing partnership with the sportswear giant that began in 2008 and included a signature sneaker line. ESPN and Wikipedia both reported on her retirement and new role.
Parker’s journey to basketball stardom began in Naperville, Illinois, where she made history in high school by becoming the first woman to dunk in a competitive game at age 15. She also famously won the McDonald’s All-American Game slam dunk contest in 2004, outperforming male competitors. Her collegiate career at the University of Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summitt was equally groundbreaking. Parker led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA national championships in 2007 and 2008, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in both tournaments. She was also the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and the first to dunk twice in a college game. (Wikipedia)
Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, Parker immediately made an impact, becoming the first player in WNBA history to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same season. She also became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game on June 22, 2008. Over her 13 seasons with the Sparks, Parker led the team to their first WNBA championship since 2002 in 2016, earning Finals MVP honors. Her career continued to flourish as she secured a second championship with her hometown Chicago Sky in 2021 and a third with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, making her the first player in WNBA history to win championships with three different teams. (WNBA.com)
Beyond her championships, Parker’s statistical achievements are remarkable. Entering the 2024 season, she ranked among the WNBA’s top players in several key categories, including 9th in career points, 3rd in career rebounds, 7th in career assists, and 5th in career blocks. Her versatility was a hallmark of her game, allowing her to excel at both forward and center positions. (WNBA.com)
In a fitting tribute to her monumental career, the Los Angeles Sparks retired Parker’s No. 3 jersey during a halftime ceremony on Sunday, June 29, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. The Chicago Sky will follow suit, retiring her jersey on August 25, 2024, during a game against the Las Vegas Aces. This dual retirement is a rare honor, making Parker only the second player in league history, alongside Lindsay Whalen, to have her jersey retired by two different teams. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert lauded Parker’s impact, stating, “She has continually redefined greatness. … Having her jersey retired in both Los Angeles and Chicago … is a powerful and fitting tribute.” (Yahoo Sports, ESPN, WNBA.com)
Parker’s influence extends beyond the court and her new role at Adidas. She has been a prominent analyst and commentator for TNT Sports since 2018, covering NBA games and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. She also holds a stake in the NWSL’s Angel City FC and advocates for a WNBA expansion team in Nashville. Candace Parker’s legacy is not just defined by her numerous accolades and championships, but by her pioneering spirit, versatility, and continued dedication to growing the game of basketball.
