Candace Parker, a trailblazing superstar of the WNBA, has announced her retirement from basketball after an illustrious 16-season career. The 38-year-old leaves the game as a three-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
In an emotional Instagram post, Parker reflected, “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.”
A nagging foot injury that sidelined her last season played a major role in her decision, despite hopes of returning to the Las Vegas Aces this year to chase another title. “This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating…it’s no fun playing in pain,” she wrote, alluding to undergoing 10 surgeries throughout her career.
Parker’s unparalleled resume etched her name in WNBA lore. In 2008 with the Los Angeles Sparks, she became the first player ever to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She captured another MVP award in 2013 and WNBA titles with the Sparks, Chicago Sky and Aces – the only player to win championships with three different franchises.
Her journey began at the University of Tennessee, where she won two NCAA titles under legendary coach Pat Summitt and made history as the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game as a freshman in 2006.
Parker’s international success included leading Team USA to Olympic gold medals at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games.
“I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love. What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her,” Parker wrote.
As she steps away, the WNBA and Las Vegas Aces paid tribute to the all-time great. Parker said she will continue working in broadcasting while setting future goals of owning both NBA and WNBA teams, aiming to further uplift the sport she impacted so profoundly.