Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, made the announcement on Sunday that she is retiring.
After a remarkable 16-season career, Parker, a two-time league MVP, shared on social media on Sunday that she has decided to retire.
Parker spent her initial 13 seasons in the league as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks.
In 2008, she achieved a remarkable feat in the WNBA as she became the first player ever to be awarded both the title of Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season. Her outstanding performance, which included an average of 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, greatly contributed to the Sparks’ impressive 10-win improvement.
Candace Parker made history by becoming the first player in the league to win a championship with three different teams. After securing a title with the Las Vegas Aces last season, Parker had previously tasted victory with the Sparks in 2016 and the Chicago Sky in 2021.
“I made a promise to myself that I would never cheat the game and that I would contribute to its improvement,” Parker expressed in her heartfelt social media post. “The competitive spirit within me always yearns for one more opportunity, but I have come to the realization that it is time to step away. My heart and body have been aware of this decision, but I needed to give my mind the time to fully accept it.”