The Los Angeles Sparks will retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey on June 29, the workforce introduced Thursday.
She turns into the third participant to have her jersey retired by the franchise, becoming a member of Corridor of Famer Lisa Leslie, whose No. 9 jersey was retired in 2010, and former participant and basic supervisor Penny Toler, whose No. 11 jersey was retired in 2006.
“To see my jersey hanging within the rafters amongst different legends is really an honor. This second isn’t just about me — it is about my household, my teammates, and the unbelievable assist from the LA Sparks group and followers,” Parker stated in an announcement. “I am grateful to my dad and mom, who believed in me each step of the way in which, to my brothers who nonetheless are my heroes and to my spouse and youngsters, who encourage me on daily basis. “
Parker was twice named the WNBA MVP in her 13 seasons with the Sparks. She additionally led the workforce to a title in 2016.
“Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not solely as one of many biggest gamers to ever grace the court docket, however as a real ambassador of our franchise and girls’s basketball as an entire,” Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson stated in an announcement. “Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey isn’t just a celebration of her extraordinary profession, however a tribute to the enduring mark she’s left on this group, the WNBA, and town of Los Angeles. She’s going to perpetually be part of the Sparks household.”
She left the Sparks as a free agent in 2021 to hitch her hometown Chicago Sky and led them to a title.
In 2023 she was a member of the Las Vegas Aces workforce that gained a title, though she was injured for a lot of the season.
She retired in 2024 and has turn out to be a profitable broadcaster with Turner Sports activities.