WNBA legend Candace Parker’s legacy soars high as the Chicago Sky decides to retire her jersey and raise it to the rafters

Candace Parker’s WNBA career arc is one for the books, as she played for and led teams like the Chicago Sky, the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Las Vegas Aces to championship titles. Honoring her legacy, on Wednesday, May 28, the Chicago Sky decided to retire her jersey and raise it to the rafters on August 25, 2025. The date has been fixed ahead of their match against the Las Vegas Aces, with whom Parker played the final match of her career.On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker, after spending the final days of her career with Las Vegas Aces and winning the championship trophy in 2023, announced her retirement via a post on Instagram. Despite the short tenure with the Chicago Sky and the Aces, Parker left a rather lasting impression. The Sky will be facing the Aces on August 25 at the Wintrust Arena, and on the same day, as an honor to the legendary player, the Sky will be raising Parker’s jersey number 3 to the rafters alongside the team’s 2021 championship banner.On an emotional note, Parker, via a press release statement by the team, stated, “Growing up in Naperville, playing on courts around here with my brothers, and watching Chicago teams like the Bulls, who became synonymous with winning, I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team. Coming home to Chicago and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship here—it was personal. I’m beyond grateful to the city, the fans, and everyone who’s been part of my journey. Chicago raised me, and this will always be home.The announcement stirred some major throwback moments for the fans of the athlete, who have adored her legacy and performance in the court throughout her career. One of the fans wrote, “Still remember seeing Parker dunk”Another one wrote, “Well-deserved honor for Candace Parker, Sky legend forever”“Congratulations @Candace_Parker well deserved”Also read: Oklahoma City Thunder are about to deliver Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a whole bank, says NBA veteranParker's number 3 jersey of the Los Angeles Sparks will also be retired this season on June 29 during the team’s match against the Sky. During her tenure with the Sparks, the player secured multiple honors like WNBA Finals MVP, WNBA MVP, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and five-time WNBA All-Star. Even though her tenure with the Sky was just for two years, her effective game play garnered accolades for the team.