Candace Parker Retires 2024 After Three WNBA Titles

Candace Parker, a transformative figure in the WNBA, had her jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2025, joining Penny Toler and Lisa Leslie in this rare honor that underscores her immense impact on the league and the sport. Parker's career spanned 16 seasons during which she earned multiple MVP awards, championships with three different teams, and became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest basketball players. Her influence is celebrated not only through her on-court achievements but also through her leadership, community involvement, and continued contributions to women's basketball post-retirement, including her dual jersey retirements by both the Sparks and Chicago Sky. Meanwhile, Ariel Atkins has emerged as a key player for the Chicago Sky, providing valuable support and leadership to younger teammates like Angel Reese, and adapting her role following her trade from Washington Mystics. The WNBA's growth has also been fueled by rising stars like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, whose exceptional rookie season and marketability have significantly boosted league attendance, media coverage, and overall valuation, highlighting a new era of increased commercial success and competitive prominence for the league.