WNBA: Candace Parker Retires after 16 seasons
LAS VEGAS, NV — Candace Parker's retirement from the WNBA marks the end of an era in women's basketball. Her departure comes after a remarkable career that saw her clinch two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012) and three WNBA championships (2016, 2021, 2023). The 38-year-old shared on social media that she felt 'it's the right time' to bid farewell to the court.
"I promised I'd never cheat the game & that I'd leave it in a better place than I came into it," Parker said on Instagram.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft from St. Louis played 16 seasons in the league, with the Los Angeles Sparks(13 years), Chicago Sky(2 years), and the Las Vegas Aces (1 year) collecting many accolades. The 6'4 forward gifted the world over a decade's worth of explosive years of dunking, leadership, and an all-around MVP during her time with the WNBA. Parker always put on a show, marking her as a true GOAT in the game. Parker is one of the most outstanding clutch performers of all time.
After spending 13 of her 16 career seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, she joined Chicago Sky for two years. Her dominating performance propelled Chicago Sky to bring a championship home in 2021. Her journey concluded with a championship win with the Las Vegas Aces despite missing most of the season with a foot injury.
Parker retires as the only player in WNBA history to win an MVP award in her rookie season and the only player to win a WNBA title with three different franchises (Sparks, Sky, Aces). Take a glance at her resume below!
Photo Credit:@WNBA via Instagram
"I fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old, and BECAUSE of it, my world goes round," Parker penned in a farewell post on Instagram.
