The Los Angeles Sparks will retire two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey on June 29, the team announced Thursday.
The Sparks will play Parker’s hometown Chicago Sky on that day.
Parker will join Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie (No. 11) and former player and general manager Penny Toler (No. 9) as the third player to have her jersey retired by the franchise.
“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 Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) raised (daughter) Lailaa and this was her playground growing up. Holding the record for assists reminds me that basketball is never just about individual success — it’s about elevating others and being a part of something bigger than yourself. This jersey represents all the moments, all the connections, and all the love that got me here.”
Parker highlighted her 13 seasons with Los Angeles by helping the team to the WNBA title in 2016. The seven-time All-Star was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Sparks.
“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.”
Parker also won titles with the Sky (2021) and the Las Vegas Aces (2023).
She was the Rookie of the Year and the league MVP in 2008 and added a second MVP award in 2013. Other accolades include All-Star Game MVP (2013), Finals MVP (2016) and Defensive Player of the Year (2020).
She averaged 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks in 410 games (406 starts) with the Sparks (2008-20), Sky (2021-22) and Aces (2023).
Parker ranks third in WNBA history in rebounds (3,467), fifth in blocks (619), seventh in assists (1,634) and ninth in points (6,574).
Parker was a two-time NCAA champion and two-time Wooden Award winner at Tennessee. In 2006, she became the first woman ever to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game.
She won Olympic gold medals with Team USA at Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
–Field Level Media
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