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WNBA Sends Message on Candace Parker This Weekend

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 2:45 PM ET

Candace Parker may have retired from the WNBA in 2024, but her legacy is only growing. After 16 incredible seasons, Parker stepped away from the game to focus on her family and new roles in broadcasting and business. "My main priority is being there for my family," she shared per AP News , as her daughter Lailaa prepares for a promising volleyball career. Now, in 2025, the league is honoring her legendary career with a rare dual jersey retirement by both the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky.

Parker was drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks in 2008 and instantly made history, winning both Rookie of the Year and MVP in her debut season. Over 13 seasons in L.A., she brought home a title in 2016. She later led her hometown Chicago Sky to their first-ever championship in 2021, and capped off her career with a third title for the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.

Before all this, she dominated college hoops at Tennessee, winning two NCAA titles and becoming the first woman to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game.

This weekend, the WNBA sent a loud and clear message about Parker's impact. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called her legacy "immeasurable," praising her excellence and leadership: “She has continually redefined greatness… Having her jersey retired in both Los Angeles and Chicago… is a powerful and fitting tribute.”

Parker becomes just the second player in league history, alongside Lindsay Whalen, to earn jersey retirements from two teams.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s Statement On Honoring Candace Parker’s Historic Career and Dual Jersey Retirements pic.twitter.com/ertHDvjWy0
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) June 29, 2025

Now, Parker leads Women’s Basketball at Adidas, is a published author, and continues to push for a WNBA expansion team in Nashville. And with every rose she stops to smell now, her influence only grows.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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