WNBA legend has her number retired by former franchise after memorable title in her hometown
Aug 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky franchise legend and WNBA Champion Candace Parker watches her jersey being retired during a ceremony during a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
An emotional moment in Chicago last night. Despite another Sky loss in WNBA, the evening will remain etched in franchise history. Candace Parker, the Illinois native legend, had the honor of seeing her number 3 jersey permanently retired and raised to the Wintrust Arena rafters.
A legend of the game. Forever enshrined in the rafters TWICE 🔥
The Chicago Sky honor Candace Parker with her second jersey retirement of the year 👏 pic.twitter.com/6abIxNAxoq
— ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2025
With her young son in her arms, the 38-year-old former forward couldn’t hold back tears as she watched her number rise to the arena’s heights. This ceremony, held during halftime of the game between the Sky and the Aces, marks Parker’s second jersey retirement this season, following the Los Angeles Sparks’ ceremony on June 29.
Two seasons enough to make Chicago history
Although Candace Parker spent most of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks, her two seasons in Chicago (2021 and 2022) were enough to leave an indelible mark. In 2021, she led the Sky to the franchise’s only WNBA title, becoming the last champion of any Chicago team across all sports.
« My heart will always belong to the State of Illinois, the city of Naperville, and the city of Chicago. This isn’t just where I’m from, it’s the very core of who I am, » said an emotional Parker during the ceremony. « This city is very special to me. I wasn’t drafted here… but I eventually came back, and playing here was an honor. So seeing the jersey in the rafters means a lot to me. Really. I’m extremely grateful. »
During her championship season in 2021, Parker averaged 13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds, establishing herself as the team’s best rebounder behind Kahleah Copper in scoring. Her former teammate, now with Phoenix, made a special trip to attend this historic ceremony.
« I grew up in the 90s and used to go to Grant Park when the Bulls won championships, » Parker recalls. « When you live in this city, winning is the standard. If you don’t win, you don’t matter. So being part of a team that brought a championship to Chicago is surreal. »
After her time with the Sky, Parker joined Las Vegas where she won one final title in 2023 with the Aces before retiring, leaving behind an exceptional legacy in two WNBA franchises.
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