Amanda Knapp
Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, retired from professional basketball in April 2024. Parker, who played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces, was the first player in WNBA history to win a championship with three different teams. Following her retirement, she was named president of Adidas women's basketball and has since pursued various business ventures, including potential NBA and WNBA franchise ownership.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of retirement announcement | 28 April 2024 |
| Years active | 16 |
| Teams | Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces |
| Championships | 3 |
| Teams with which championships were won | Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces |
| Jersey number | 3 |
| Post-retirement career | President of Adidas women's basketball, broadcasting, business |
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What You'll Learn
Candace Parker's retirement announcement
On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball via her Instagram account. Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, made the announcement after a historic 16-year career, during which she dominated the WNBA, becoming the first player in league history to win a championship with three different teams: the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces.
In her Instagram post, Parker, who had been struggling with a foot injury, wrote: "I’m retiring. I promised I'd never cheat the game & that I'd leave it in a better place than I came into it." "The competitor in me always wants one more, but it’s time. My heart & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it."
Parker, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, began her career with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, spending 13 seasons with the team. She then played for the Chicago Sky for two seasons, leading them to their only championship in franchise history in 2021. Finally, she played for the Las Vegas Aces for one season, winning the 2023 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty.
Following her retirement, Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball. She has also expressed interest in pursuing business opportunities, including NBA and WNBA franchise ownership, broadcasting, and production. Parker's impact on the game has been immense, and her jersey has been retired by both the Sparks and the Sky, a testament to her legendary status in the WNBA.
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Her career highlights
Candace Parker, widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, announced her retirement from professional basketball in April 2024.
Candace Parker's career is studded with numerous accolades and achievements. She began playing basketball at a very early age, following in the footsteps of her father, Larry Parker, and her older brother, Anthony Parker, a former NBA basketball player. Parker attended Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois, where she led her high school basketball team to Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004. She compiled a school-record of 2,768 points (22.9 points per game) and 1,592 rebounds (13.2 rebounds per game) while starting 119 out of 121 games. She was the only two-time award winner of the USA Today High School Player of the Year, winning the award in 2003 and 2004. Parker also won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award in the same years.
In August 2004, Parker led the USA Junior World Championship team to a gold medal with 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. She joined the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2004, where she redshirted her first season due to a knee injury. In her sophomore season, she became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points, achieving the feat in just 56 games. On April 3, 2006, she led the Lady Vols to their first national championship since 1998, and they secured their second consecutive championship in 2008. Parker was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player in both 2007 and 2008.
In 2008, Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, with whom she spent 13 seasons. On June 22, 2008, she became the second woman in WNBA history to dunk during a regulation game. On July 9, 2008, she scored a career-high 40 points, along with 16 rebounds and 6 assists, in a win against the Houston Comets. Parker was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month for May and July 2008. She won her first WNBA championship with the Sparks in 2016.
Parker then spent two seasons with the Chicago Sky, leading them to their only championship in franchise history in 2021. She was the first player in WNBA history to win a championship with three different teams when she won her third championship with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
Parker's iconic number 3 jersey, which she chose to honour former NBA player Allen Iverson, will be retired by the Chicago Sky and the Sparks.
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Post-retirement plans
Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball in April 2024. She had a 16-year career in the WNBA, becoming the first player in league history to win a championship with three different teams: Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces.
Parker has expressed interest in staying close to the game, focusing on broadcasting in both the WNBA and NBA. She has been working as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT since 2018 and has also appeared on TV for many years. Following her retirement, she was named president of Adidas women's basketball.
Parker also has her sights set on business opportunities, private equity, and ownership of both NBA and WNBA franchises. She wants to bring ""the same intensity and focus I did in basketball"" to these new ventures. Additionally, she has hinted at exploring other areas such as production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, and dominoes.
Parker's impact on the sport has been widely recognized, with the Chicago Sky announcing that they will retire her iconic No. 3 jersey. The Sky's CEO and president, Adam Fox, praised Parker, saying, "Candace Parker is a legend, future hall-of-famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball."
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Candace Parker's legacy
Candace Parker, widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, announced her retirement from professional basketball in April 2024. She was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks, and played for three teams during her 16-year career, winning a championship with each.
Parker's legacy in the WNBA is undeniable. In her debut season, she achieved a 34-point debut performance, dunks in consecutive games, and a league-leading 17 double-doubles. She was the first WNBA player to be named both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same year, a feat still unmatched. Parker dominated the league, becoming the first player in history to win a championship with three different teams. She also won two Olympic gold medals and numerous other accolades.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Parker's impact extends further. She was an influential figure in improving conditions for women's basketball players, using her platform to address issues surrounding maternity leave and the treatment of elite women's teams. Parker also inspired countless players and fans through her leadership and talent, challenging societal norms and perceptions of female athletes.
Parker's jersey number 3, worn to honour former NBA player Allen Iverson, will be retired by both the Chicago Sky and the Sparks. She has left an indelible mark on the sport, with her drive, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence serving as a lasting legacy.
Following her retirement, Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball and continues to be involved in broadcasting and business ventures, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to the sport and its future development.
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Retirement tributes
Candace Parker, widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, announced her retirement from professional basketball in April 2024. Tributes poured in from across the basketball world, with many celebrating her illustrious 16-year career.
Social Media Reactions
Within seconds of her Instagram retirement post, social media was abuzz with reactions and tributes. Her Instagram post garnered nearly 85,000 reactions and over 5,300 comments within three hours. Fellow Lady Vol legend Tamika Catchings commented, "Proud of ya CP!"
Jersey Retirement Ceremonies
The Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks basketball franchises retired Parker's iconic No. 3 jersey in 2025, honouring her remarkable career and impact on the game. The Sky's ceremony, which included an on-court tribute and a speech from Parker, was particularly significant as Parker led the Sky to their only championship in franchise history in 2021. Sparks Co-Owner Earvin "Magic" Johnson hailed Parker as "the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA," underscoring the immense respect she earned during her career.
WNBA Achievements
Parker dominated the WNBA during her 16-year career, becoming the first player in league history to win a championship with three different teams: the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016, the Chicago Sky in 2021, and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. She was also the first and only player to win both rookie of the year and MVP in the same WNBA season. Parker's versatility as a player saw her excel in forward and centre positions, solidifying her legacy as a true basketball great.
Post-Retirement Ventures
Following her retirement, Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball. She also intends to pursue business ventures, broadcasting, and spending time with her family. Parker has expressed her desire to own both an NBA and a WNBA team, showcasing her continued passion for the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Candace Parker retired from professional basketball in April 2024.
Parker retired due to a foot injury that kept her off the court for the Las Vegas Aces' 2023 championship season. She underwent surgery in July 2023 and never returned to the court.
After basketball, Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball. She also continued her work as a broadcaster and analyst for NBA TV and TNT, and explored business opportunities, including NBA and WNBA franchise ownership.
Parker is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. During her 16-year career, she became the first player in WNBA history to win a championship with three different teams: the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. She was also a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a 10-time All-WNBA honoree.
