WNBA commissioner applauds Candace Parker's 2-team jersey retirement

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert celebrated the career of Candace Parker on Sunday prior to the first of two jersey retirements for the long-time league superstar.

The Los Angeles Sparks will retire the two-time WNBA MVP's No. 3 jersey prior to Sunday's game against Parker's hometown Chicago Sky. Parker will join Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and former player and general manager Penny Toler (No. 11) as the third player to have her jersey retired by the franchise.

The Sky will retire her No. 3 jersey later this summer, putting Parker with Lindsay Whalen as the lone WNBA players to have their number retired by two different teams. Whalen had her jersey retired by both the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx.

"Candace Parker's impact on the WNBA is immeasurable," Engelbert said. "From the moment she stepped onto the court as a rookie, winning both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, she has continually redefined greatness. A three-time champion with three different teams, her career has been marked by excellence, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to winning.

"... Having her jersey retired in both Los Angeles and Chicago -- two WNBA cities where she shaped the culture and identity of their teams --- is a powerful and fitting tribute to all Candace has accomplished."

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.

Parker, 39, 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).

Parker 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 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