Candace Parker will join an elite group of players when her No. 3 jersey is retired by the Los Angeles Sparks on June 29. The team made the announcement on March 27, marking the occasion as one of the biggest moments in the franchise’s history.
Parker becomes only the third player to have their jersey retired by the Sparks. Prior to her, Lisa Leslie had her No. 9 jersey retired in 2010, and Penny Toler’s No. 11 jersey was honored in 2006.
In a heartfelt statement, Parker expressed her gratitude for the honor, reflecting on her legacy with the team and the sport.
A Moment of Reflection
“To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor,” Parker said. “This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans. I’m grateful to my parents, who believed in me every step of the way, to my brothers who still are my heroes, and to my wife and kids, who inspire me every day.”
Magic Johnson’s Tribute
Magic Johnson, co-owner of the Sparks, also praised Parker’s contributions to the team, calling her a “true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball.”
“Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not only as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court but as a true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball as a whole,” Johnson said. “Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey is not just a celebration of her extraordinary career, but a tribute to the enduring mark she’s left on this organization, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will forever be a part of the Sparks family.”
Parker’s Historic Career
Parker, regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Sparks and played 13 seasons with the team. Over the course of her career, she achieved remarkable feats, including two WNBA MVP awards (2008 and 2013), the 2020 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and five All-Star selections.
As the Sparks’ all-time leader in assists (1,331), Parker also ranks second in rebounds, third in points, and has appeared in the fourth-most games in the franchise’s history. Her legacy with the team and the WNBA as a whole continues to inspire future generations of players.
The retirement of Parker’s No. 3 jersey will serve as a permanent tribute to her impact on the game and her monumental influence on the Los Angeles Sparks.
