Celebrating Candace Parker: Sparks to Retire Her Iconic No. 3 Jersey
In a move that will surely resonate with fans and players alike, the Los Angeles Sparks have announced they will retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey on June 29. This announcement, made on Thursday, marks a significant moment in the history of the franchise and the WNBA as a whole.
For those who have followed Parker’s illustrious career, this honor comes as no surprise. She becomes only the third player in the history of the Sparks to have her jersey retired, joining the ranks of Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie, whose No. 9 jersey was retired in 2010, and former player and general manager Penny Toler, whose No. 11 jersey was retired in 2006. It’s a testament to Parker’s impact on the court and her influence off it.
Reflecting on this honor, Parker expressed her gratitude and humility. “To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor. This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans,” she said in a heartfelt statement. “I’m grateful to my parents, who believed in me every step of the way, to my brothers who still are my heroes and to my wife and kids, who inspire me every day.”
During her 13 seasons with the Sparks, Parker was twice named the WNBA MVP, a testament to her skill and leadership on the court. Her crowning achievement with the team came in 2016 when she led the Sparks to a championship title, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history.
Magic Johnson, co-owner of the Sparks, echoed these sentiments in his statement. “Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not only as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, but as a true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball as a whole,” he said. “Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey is not just a celebration of her extraordinary career, but a tribute to the enduring mark she’s left on this organization, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will forever be a part of the Sparks family.”
Parker’s journey took a new turn in 2021 when she left the Sparks as a free agent to join her hometown Chicago Sky. In a storybook fashion, she led the Sky to a championship title, further solidifying her status as a winner and a leader.
In 2023, Parker was part of the Las Vegas Aces team that captured a title, although she was sidelined for much of the season due to injury. Her resilience and determination were on full display, even as she faced personal challenges.
After retiring in 2024, Parker transitioned seamlessly into a successful broadcasting career with Turner Sports, where she continues to share her insights and passion for the game with a new generation of fans.
- Key Achievements:
- Two-time WNBA MVP
- Led the Sparks to a championship in 2016
- Led the Chicago Sky to a championship
- Part of the Las Vegas Aces’ championship team
- Legacy: Parker’s influence extends beyond her on-court achievements. She is celebrated as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly young women looking to make their mark in sports.
As the Sparks prepare to honor Parker by retiring her jersey, fans and players alike will have the opportunity to reflect on her remarkable career and the lasting impact she has made on the game of basketball. It’s a celebration of not just her achievements, but her contributions to the sport and her role as an ambassador for women’s basketball.
Originally Written by: Ramona Shelburne
