Candace Parker’s jersey was formally retired by the Chicago Sky on August 25 at Wintrust Arena, marking the second retirement honoring Parker this year after the Los Angeles Sparks did the same in June. Parker, who spent 13 seasons with the Sparks and helped them win the 2016 WNBA title, returned to Chicago to cap a storied career that includes more history than most players can claim.
Parker’s ties to Chicago run deep. She grew up in Naperville and frequently references the city’s sports culture as a catalyst for her drive to win. After two state championships at Naperville Central High School and two NCAA titles at the University of Tennessee, she entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft. Her career is defined by rare feats: she is the only player to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, and she is the only player to capture three WNBA championships with three different teams—Sparks, Sky and Aces. She has earned MVP honors twice and was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 with Chicago.
The ceremony highlighted Parker’s impact beyond the court. Sky owner Michael Alter recalled how he approached Parker in free agency with a mission to “come home and make history,” a goal she delivered by returning to Chicago and delivering a championship. In pregame remarks, Parker reflected on the Chicago experience, saying there is nothing like winning in her hometown. The night featured tributes from across the city, including video messages from former Chicago Bulls stars and a live portrait by speed painter Jessica Haas. Kahleah Copper, one of Parker’s former Sky teammates, attended and spoke about Parker’s influence.
On the floor, the Sky fell 79–74 to the Las Vegas Aces. Ariel Atkins led Chicago with a season-high 30 points, while Angel Reese grabbed 17 rebounds to pace the Sky. The ceremony’s timing was fitting, as Parker had played for the Aces in 2023, her final WNBA season, connecting the three franchises that marked her ascent as one of the league’s greatest.
Parker’s impact has been celebrated by teammates, rivals and fans alike. Veterans and rising stars alike have cited her as an inspiration for a generation of players who believe in chasing championships and breaking barriers. Former Sky coach James Wade and current coach Toasts both highlighted how Parker’s leadership transformed teams and helped cultivate a championship culture in Chicago.
Why this matters: Parker’s retirement of her jersey in Chicago underscores not only her extraordinary career but also the city’s enduring connection to WNBA history. Her journey—from Naperville to Tennessee to the Sparks, Sky and Aces—embodies a rare blend of individual brilliance and team leadership that has shaped the league’s narrative for more than a decade.
What to watch next: Parker’s legacy continues to influence young players in the Chicago area and around the league. The Sky will no doubt lean on the momentum of her homecoming as they pursue further success, while Parker’s career serves as a benchmark for greatness—combining on-court excellence with a lasting impact on the communities that supported her.
In short, Candace Parker’s Chicago homecoming and jersey retirement cement her status as one of basketball’s all-time greats and a symbol of championship culture in the Windy City.
Summary: Candace Parker’s jersey retirement by the Chicago Sky, following Sparks’ earlier tribute, caps a transcendent career defined by multiple championships with three teams, rare individual awards, and a lasting legacy in Chicago and beyond. The night celebrated Parker’s remarkable journey and the broader influence she’s had on the game and its fans.