Los Angeles Sparks Retire Candace Parker Jersey Honoring 13-Year Legacy

The Los Angeles Sparks officially retired Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey during a halftime ceremony on June 29, honoring her 13-year tenure with the franchise and her Hall of Fame-caliber career. Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, three-time champion, and the only player to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, was praised by team co-owner Magic Johnson and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for her transformative impact on the Sparks, the WNBA, and women's basketball overall. Despite the Sparks' current struggles and rebuilding phase, the ceremony celebrated Parker's legacy as the face and soul of the franchise, with tributes highlighting her leadership, skill, and influence on future generations. Parker also led the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces to championships and will have her jersey retired by the Sky later this summer. Reflecting on her career, Parker expressed gratitude for her time with the Sparks and discussed her post-retirement ambitions, including pursuing WNBA ownership. The ceremony underscored Parker's enduring mark on basketball culture in both Los Angeles and Chicago, where she shaped the identity of two major WNBA teams.