Candace Parker, born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for her exceptional career in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Over her career, she played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces, securing three WNBA championships in 2016, 2021, and 2023. Parker made history as the first player to win a championship with three different teams.
Throughout her 15-season career, Parker earned numerous accolades, including two WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2008 and 2013, and five All-Star selections.
She was also named to six All-WNBA teams and received the WNBA Finals MVP in 2016. Parker’s versatility on the court was evident as she played both forward and center positions, and she was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Parker has been influential in sports media and business. Since 2018, she has served as an analyst and commentator for NBA games on TNT and NBA TV. In May 2024, following her retirement, Adidas appointed her as the president of women’s basketball, acknowledging her longstanding partnership with the brand and her impact on the sport.
Parker continues to contribute to the basketball community. In January 2025, she joined a group of prominent figures, including Peyton Manning and Tim McGraw, in submitting a bid to establish a WNBA expansion franchise in Nashville, named the Tennessee Summitt, in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt. The team aims to begin play in 2028.
Additionally, Parker is preparing to release her new book, “The Can-Do Mindset,” on June 3, 2025. The book draws on her personal and professional experiences, aiming to inspire readers to live bravely and with purpose.