Three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker announces her retirement, marking the end of a historic 16-year career that includes three WNBA championship titles and numerous personal accolades.
“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 her Instagram page. “The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”
Notably, Parker’s exceptional journey encompassed time with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces, solidifying her legacy as an icon in sports and a role model for aspiring athletes across Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and beyond.
Throughout her illustrious career, Parker shattered records, earning the title of MVP Candace Parker twice and becoming the first player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, a testament to her unparalleled skill and dedication to the game.
As the WNBA bids farewell to one of its greatest players, Parker’s legacy of excellence, both as a fierce competitor on the court and a respected analyst off it, continues to inspire the next generation of players in the realm of women’s basketball.
The Legacy of Candace Parker
Overview of Achievements
- Historic WNBA and Olympic Success: Candace Parker’s illustrious career includes being a three-time WNBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
- Pioneering Achievements: She was the first player in WNBA history to be named both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, setting a precedent in 2008.
- Championships Across Teams: Uniquely, Parker won championships with three different teams: Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces, making her the only player in WNBA history to achieve this feat.
Career Milestones
- Early Beginnings: Gained national attention by winning back-to-back state championships in high school and being the first female to win the slam dunk contest at the McDonald’s All American Game.
- Collegiate Success: At Tennessee, she led the Lady Vols to two NCAA championships and earned multiple player of the year awards.
- Professional Dominance: Parker was a formidable force in the WNBA, ranking 9th in all-time points and 3rd in rebounds, and securing multiple MVP titles.
Contributions Off the Court
- Broadcasting Career: Since 2018, Parker has also made her mark as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT, enriching basketball coverage with her insights.
- Impact and Inspiration: Her commitment to excellence and integrity in the sport is encapsulated in her statement about leaving basketball in a better place than she found it.
Impact Beyond the Court
Beyond the Court: Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova
While Parker’s on-court achievements have garnered much attention, her life off the court has been equally significant. Her marriage to Anna Petrakova not only added a new chapter to her personal life but also highlighted her role as a mother. Parker has been vocal about the influence of her family on her career decisions, emphasizing the importance of walking off the court for the last time with her daughter by her side.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Broadcaster and Advocate: As a recognized figure in sports broadcasting and advocacy, Candace Parker has contributed significantly beyond the basketball court. Her roles have spanned major networks like SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and Inside the NBA on TNT.
- Philanthropic Efforts: Parker has actively supported numerous charitable organizations, including PETA, Loaves & Fishes, and the Alzheimer’s Association, demonstrating her commitment to diverse causes.
- Promoting Fitness and Wellness: In a notable initiative, Parker partnered with Muscle Milk and the National Fitness Campaign to unveil a new outdoor fitness court in Atlanta, enhancing community access to fitness facilities.
Honors and Recognition
- Candace Parker Day: In recognition of her contributions both on and off the court, March 13 was declared “Candace Parker Day” by Atlanta City Council member Jason Winston, celebrating her impact in sports and community service.
Empowering Future Generations
- Youth Mentorship: Parker’s dedication to mentoring resonates in her efforts to inspire young people, guiding them to pursue their dreams with the same vigor she showed on the court.
- Educational Contributions: She produced a documentary focusing on Title IX, advocating for gender equality in athletics and education, thereby influencing future policies and perspectives.
Advocacy for Social Change
- Social Activism: Parker is a vocal supporter of women’s rights, voters’ rights, and the Black Lives Matter movement, actively participating in the Social Change Fund to drive societal change.
- Investment in Women’s Sports: Demonstrating her commitment to female athletics, Parker co-owns Angel City FC, a professional women’s soccer team, further promoting women’s sports alongside her daughter.
Reaction from the Basketball World
Statements from Las Vegas Aces
- Appreciation for Parker’s Legacy: The Las Vegas Aces expressed their gratitude towards Candace Parker, highlighting her significant contributions to the team and to women’s basketball at large. They commended her for setting a standard for future generations in the sport.
- Acknowledgment of Influence: In a separate statement, the Las Vegas Aces praised Parker’s enduring impact on the sport, noting her role in advancing women’s basketball and inspiring upcoming athletes.
Community Response
- Widespread Admiration: Following her retirement announcement, Candace Parker received a broad wave of appreciation and admiration from the basketball community, underscoring her influence and beloved status across the sport.
Personal Challenges
- Overcoming Adversity: Despite missing the second half of the 2023 season due to a broken foot that required surgery, Parker’s career achievements and her recent decision have been met with respect and honor from fans and peers alike.
What’s Next for Candace Parker
Future Endeavors and Opportunities
Candace Parker continues to engage with basketball through her roles as a commentator for NBA games and the NCAA tournament, bringing her insightful analysis and unique perspective to a broad audience.
Parker’s financial acumen is reflected in her substantial net worth of $5 million, derived from her WNBA salary, endorsements, and other business ventures. Annually, she earns about $200,000 from her WNBA contract and approximately $3 million from endorsements, showcasing her marketability and business savvy.
Having spent her final season with the Las Vegas Aces, Parker’s last game occurred on July 7, 2023. She was sidelined for most of the 2023 season due to a foot injury, which has been a significant factor in her decision-making process regarding retirement.
Parker has expressed profound gratitude for her 16-year career, acknowledging the support from her family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers, and fans. This deep appreciation for her community and support system highlights her character and the relationships she’s built over her illustrious career.
