Oct 25, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; TNT broadcaster Candace Parker during the Golden State Warriors game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Sparks have announced plans to retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey on June 29, during a game against the Chicago Sky, Parker’s hometown team. This honor places Parker alongside Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler as the third player in franchise history to have her jersey retired.
Magic Johnson, co-owner of the Sparks, praised Parker’s contributions, stating, “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.”
Parker’s illustrious 13-season tenure with the Sparks includes leading the team to a WNBA championship in 2016, where she earned Finals MVP honors. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2008, received a second MVP award in … , and was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. Parker also secured championships with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
Reflecting on the jersey retirement, Parker expressed gratitude: “To see my jersey hanging in … —it’s about my family, my teammates … .”
Beyond her WNBA achievements, Parker’s basketball legacy includes two NCAA championships with the University of Tennessee and two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
