Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, announced her retirement from the league after 16 seasons. She made the announcement on social media, citing the need for another foot surgery as a contributing factor. Parker had played last season with the Las Vegas Aces, but was limited to just 18 games due to her injury.
Parker’s career in basketball was nothing short of remarkable. After being selected first overall in the 2008 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, she won Rookie of the Year and MVP honors that year and went on to win another MVP in 2013. Parker led the Sparks to a WNBA title in 2016 before joining the Chicago Sky in 2021 and winning another championship ring. She then played for the Las Vegas Aces last season and won her second title before retiring.
Despite leaving the WNBA, Parker expressed her intention to remain involved in the world of basketball and sports. In an Instagram post, she mentioned pursuing opportunities in business, private equity, and ownership of both an NBA and WNBA team. She also expressed interest in broadcasting with the same intensity and focus she had for basketball throughout her career.
Throughout her career, Parker was a seven-time WNBA All-Star and averaged an impressive 16 points per game while pulling down over 8 rebounds per contest as well as dishing out nearly four assists each time out on court. Additionally, she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist as part of the U.S women’s basketball team at both the 2008 Summer Olympics and again at
