Candace Parker Leaving Las Vegas
Candace Parker, a true icon in the world of women’s basketball, is hanging up her sneakers after a stellar 16-season career. At 38, the three-time WNBA champion and dual league MVP has decided it’s time to step off the court, her decision partly spurred by a troublesome foot injury from the previous season. Though she harbored dreams of another championship run with the Las Vegas Aces, fate had other plans. Click here to view the latest WNBA Championship odds after Candace Parker’s retirement news.
3-time WNBA Champion Candace Parker Announces Retirement
In a post on Instagram, Parker said, “I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”
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“This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing ‘she isn’t the same’ when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.”
What Made Candace Parker Great
Starting her professional journey with the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker made an immediate splash in 2008 by clinching both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same season—a first in WNBA history. She didn’t stop there, scooping up another MVP trophy in 2013. Her illustrious career includes championship triumphs with the Sparks, Chicago Sky, and the Aces, making her the only player to clinch titles with three different teams.
Not just a powerhouse scorer—although her five seasons averaging over 20 points per game shout otherwise—Parker’s real signature was her versatility. A forward with the slick skills of a guard, she redefined what players at her position could do.
By the numbers, Parker’s legacy is staggering: 6,574 points, 3,467 rebounds, 1,634 assists, and 619 blocks across 410 regular-season games, placing her in the WNBA’s top 10 for all these stats. But her influence stretches back further, to her high school days when she was the first female to win the McDonald’s High School All-American Dunk Contest. Her commitment to the University of Tennessee was groundbreaking, broadcasted as the first of its kind on ESPNews. After a redshirt freshman year, she clinched two Wooden Awards and led the Lady Volunteers to consecutive national titles under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. Her groundbreaking feats continued with her becoming the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game in 2006.
On the international stage, Parker didn’t just participate; she dominated. She helped Team USA clinch Olympic gold medals in both the Beijing and London Games. Off the court, her ambitions are just as lofty: Parker is not only a respected sports broadcaster but also aspires to one day own NBA and WNBA teams.
As she transitions to her post-player career, Candace Parker leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. A trailblazer on and off the court, her impact on the game is indelible. With the same passion she displayed on the court, she’s poised to reshape the future of basketball from the top down. Parker says she’ll continue to work in broadcasting and one day hopes to own both an NBA and WNBA team.
