A RARE HONOR, TIMES TWO: CANDACE PARKER’S CHICAGO SKY JERSEY RETIRED, CEMENTING HER BASKETBALL LEGEND
CHICAGO, Illinois, United States – August 26, 2025:The Chicago Sky retired WNBA star Candace Parker’s jersey to honor her amazing career. She’s only the second player ever to have her jersey retired by two different teams. During halftime at Wintrust Arena, they raised her No. 3 jersey to the rafters, celebrating her huge impact on and off the court. This happened just two months after the Los Angeles Sparks did the same with her No. 3 jersey—she played 13 seasons there and won her first title.
These two ceremonies show how special Parker is. She’s a super-talented player who won championships with every team she joined. Parker, who is from Naperville, Illinois, came back to her home state and led the Sky to their first-ever WNBA championship in 2021. The Sky honoring her, even though she only played there for two seasons, proves that her influence wasn’t about how long she played but about her leadership, winning spirit, and how much she connected with the local fans.
A Career Full of Firsts and Titles
Candace Parker’s career is full of amazing accomplishments. In 2008, she was the first WNBA player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season while playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. She’s also the only WNBA player to win championships with three different teams: the Sparks (2016), the Chicago Sky (2021), and the Las Vegas Aces (2023).
Before she was a WNBA star, Parker was a legend at the University of Tennessee, playing for Pat Summitt. She guided the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA national championships in 2007 and 2008, making her one of the best college basketball players ever. The university also retired her No. 3 jersey.
A Star Comes Home
It was huge for the Chicago Sky and the city when Parker decided to sign with them in 2021. Even though she didn’t play there long, she had an immediate and game-changing impact. She brought the veteran leadership and winning attitude the team needed for an amazing season.
That 2021 title was Chicago’s first pro basketball championship since the Chicago Bulls won in 1998. Parker’s effect that season was huge. She helped talented players like Kahleah Copper and Courtney Vandersloot play at their best.
More Than Just Basketball
Parker’s effect goes beyond what she did on the court. She’s a respected voice in broadcasting, working as an analyst for Turner Sports on NBA and NCAA games. The retirement ceremonies were for the athlete and the ambassador she has become for the game.
At the ceremony, Parker was with her family and her former high school coach, Andy Nussbaum. People from all over the sports world sent their love, including a video from Derrick Rose and appearances by Chicago stars like singer Jennifer Hudson and rapper Common. Former teammate Kahleah Copper traveled to the event, showing how much respect people have for Parker.
What a Second Honor Means
The Chicago Sky retiring Parker’s jersey after just two seasons is rare. It means that a player’s impact matters more than how long they play. Parker’s presence and her championship win changed the team forever.
The Sky’s decision puts Parker in a small group, showing she’s a special player whose greatness is recognized by different fanbases. It also shows that teams are starting to honor important players for their critical roles in team history, not just for years of playing. Her No. 3 jersey now hangs next to Allie Quigley’s, who is another Sky legend.
How It Affects Women’s Basketball
Candace Parker’s career has been the gold standard for skill, dominance, and leadership. She’s been a pioneer, showing how much a player can shape a team’s future. Her success with different teams has also made a path for other big-name free agents in the WNBA.
This second jersey retirement makes her a true sports icon. People will remember her career not just for her stats or awards, but for her power to make every team and group she was with better, leaving a lasting mark on the sport she changed for the better.
