Oct 25, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; TNT broadcaster Candace Parker during the Golden State Warriors game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sparks' Legend Reveals Honest Feelings Ahead of Jersey Retirements

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 5:52 PM ET

Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA Champion and two-time MVP, spent 13 illustrious seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

She earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2008 and averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists across her time in Los Angeles. Parker led the Sparks to a WNBA championship in 2016, securing the franchise's third title.

Following her time in the purple and gold, Parker closed her career with two seasons in Chicago — helping win the franchise's sole title in 2021 — and one in Las Vegas, respectively.

Parker, who led Tennessee to national titles in both 2007 and 2008, had her jersey retired by the Lady Volunteers in January of 2014.

Over 10 years later, two more teams will soon join the list.

"No. 3 is going into the rafters in two different arenas, I'm super grateful!"@Candace_Parker shares her feelings about having her jersey retired with the Sparks and the Sky pic.twitter.com/JPONsmiIce
— espnW (@espnW) June 2, 2025

The Sparks will retire Parker’s No. 3 jersey at Crypto.com Arena during halftime of their game against the Sky on June 29, the team announced in March.

Furthermore, Chicago also plans to retire her jersey on Aug. 25, during its game against the Las Vegas Aces, per a May 28 release.

On Monday's edition of ESPN's NBA Today, Parker shared her feelings on having her jersey retired by both WNBA organizations.

"I think it's different," Parker said in response to which team's ceremony would mean more to her. "I grew up thinking that you only had one home, and I've fortunately had three."

"I'm asked so many times if I'm resentful in any type of way for where the WNBA is right now. My job was to leave the game better than I came into it. ... I think that the WNBA as a whole is in an amazing place."

—@Candace_Parker on the current state of the WNBA pic.twitter.com/69WDAZtQ98
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 3, 2025

Parker detailed all three major landmarks in her basketball journey — Tennessee, Chicago and Los Angeles — and what each has meant to her along the way.

"Chicago is where I first picked up a the game of basketball," Parker, a Naperville, Illinois native, said. "[Just] being able to watch the Bulls compete for championships, and then to bring one home.

"Tennessee, jersey going in the rafters, that's become definitely a home to me," she added. "And then LA is where my kids are from ... It's been hard for me as a Chicago fan to see my daughter want to rock the Dodgers jersey, but I'll give her a pass."

Breaking: The Los Angeles Sparks will retire Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey on June 29, sources told @ramonashelburne.

She becomes the third player to have her jersey retired by the franchise, joining Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and former player and general manager Penny Toler. pic.twitter.com/6uHRTb7aiE
— ESPN (@espn) March 27, 2025

Furthermore, Parker spoke the uniqueness of both upcoming jersey retirement ceremonies and the personal gratitude she feels that's continually attached to each.

"Number three's going in the rafters in two different arenas. I'm super grateful," Parker said.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Sparks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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