In a career that was a Hollywood thriller, matched by only a select few, one of the best WNBA players of all time is getting the flowers and recognition that she has earned. Candace Parker will have her number retired by the team that her, the Los Angeles Sparks, during a June ceremony, the team announced Thursday.
The Sparks will hold a jersey retirement ceremony for Parker on June 29, ahead of the team’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. Parker’s No. 3 will be the third number retired by the organization, which also retired No. 9 in honor of her former teammate Lisa Leslie in 2010 and No. 11 for Penny Toler in 2006.
The Sparks previewed the ceremony with a video montage honoring Parker’s many accomplishments.
“To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor. This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans,” Parker said in a statement. “I’m grateful to my parents, who believed in me every step of the way, to my brothers who still are my heroes and to my wife and kids, who inspire me every day.”
The honor is well-deserved. Parker, who is considered a top 10 player in WNBA history, was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks in 2008 out of the University of Tennessee and did not waste any time, immediately performing like a superstar. Parker took home both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards during her first season in the league after putting up an impressive stat line, averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe did not take her foot off the gas pedal from there. During her tenure with the Sparks, Parker made five All-Star appearances, captured a second MVP award in 2013 and led the team to a title in 2016. She was named the WNBA Finals MVP for her performance against the dynasty known as the Minnesota Lynx. Parker averaged 17.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in the five-game series. And she did it with a heavy heart after the death of her college coach Pat Summitt.
“Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not only as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, but as a true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball as a whole,” Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson said in a statement. “Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey is not just a celebration of her extraordinary career, but a tribute to the enduring mark she’s left on this organization, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will forever be a part of the Sparks family.”
Following the 2020 campaign, Parker departed from the Sparks to join the Chicago Sky, her hometown team. Parker made the All-Star team in both seasons with the Sky and played a huge role in the team winning the WNBA championship in 2021 over the Phoenix Mercury. She joined the Aces for the 2023 season, though she only played in 18 games because of an injured foot. The Aces went on to win the title, giving Parker her third championship win.
Parker re-signed with the Aces for the 2024 season but announced her retirement from basketball a few months later. Since leaving the game, she has focused her energy on broadcasting, serving as an analyst on TNT.
