Candace Parker received an emotional surprise on Thursday when her former team, the Los Angeles Sparks, announced they will retire her No. 3 jersey.
The special ceremony is set for June 29, during halftime of the Sparks’ game against the Chicago Sky. This honor cements Parker’s place in history, making her only the third Sparks player to receive such recognition, alongside Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler, per AP News.
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While working as a broadcaster for TNT during NCAA Tournament coverage, Parker reacted to the announcement with deep gratitude and disbelief.
“Often, when you play in an arena like the Staples Center, you look up and see names like Kareem, Magic, and Kobe,” Parker shared. “To imagine my name up there with them—it’s surreal. I feel incredibly humbled and grateful for this moment.”
Parker’s career with the Sparks began in 2008 when she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
Over 13 seasons, she became one of the league’s most dominant players, helping the Sparks secure the 2016 WNBA championship and earning Finals MVP honors in the process.
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In her rookie season, Parker made history by becoming the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Her defensive prowess was also recognized in 2020, when she was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, further solidifying her reputation as a complete player.
Former Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker.© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
According to The Souce, Sparks co-owner and basketball legend Magic Johnson praised Parker’s contributions to the sport and the organization.
“Candace Parker has not only been one of the greatest players in Sparks history, but she has also been a trailblazer for women’s basketball,” Johnson said.
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“Retiring her jersey is a well-deserved honor, celebrating everything she has done for this team, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will always be part of the Sparks family.”
This will be Parker’s second jersey retirement, as the University of Tennessee retired her No. 3 in 2014 to honor her back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008.
Now, with her number set to hang permanently in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena, Parker’s legacy as one of the WNBA’s greatest players is forever secured.
Related: Candace Parker Predicts New Teammate for Angel Reese
