WNBA legend Candace Parker is already circling marquee matchups on her calendar as the new season approaches.
The former Tenesse star is heralded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. Parker will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
Advertisement
She retired on April 28, 2024, after 16 seasons split between the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces.
The 39-year-old is a two-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP and Finals MVP and also captured two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
Parker now serves as a game and studio analyst for Prime Video’s 2026 WNBA coverage. She is eager to see Caitlin Clark and company take on her former team.
Indiana Fever stars Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark.© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
(© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.)
The 2026 WNBA season tips off May 8, and Parker cannot wait.
Advertisement
In her “Post Moves” podcast with Fever star Aliyah Boston, the seven-time All-Star shared her excitement for July 8. That is when the Fever visit the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Parker announced her intention to watch the game live.
“Fever at Sparks, July 8th, I’m there. Sign me up,” she said.
“Oh, turn up!” Boston responded.
Parker’s enthusiasm is understandable. The Fever has emerged as one of the most intriguing teams headed into the new season.
Advertisement
Much of that buzz centers on rising superstar Clark, whose rapid ascent mirrors Parker’s own historic rookie year. Parker is still the only player ever to win both WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
Clark built on her stellar rookie campaign with another impressive stretch to start her second year. She averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals in just 13 games before injuries halted her progress.
Parker remains especially curious to see how Clark will fare against her former Sparks squad, now led by Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink.
Advertisement
For one of the WNBA’s all‑time greats, that July 8 showdown is must-see basketball.
Related: Caitlin Clark Makes Her Opinion of UCLA Coach Cori Close Very Clear
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
