### Candace Parker's Legacy Celebrated as Sparks Retire Her No. 3 Jersey Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and a pivotal figure in women's basketball, had her No. 3 jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks on June 30, 2025. This momentous occasion took place at the Crypto.com Arena during a game against the Chicago Sky, marking a significant tribute to Parker's illustrious career, which includes 13 seasons with the Sparks, two MVP awards, and a championship title. The ceremony was a celebration of her impact on the sport and her contributions to the Sparks franchise, joining the ranks of other legends like Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler, whose jerseys have also been retired by the team [https://www.blackenterprise.com/candace-parker-sparks-retire-jersey][https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/candace-parker-did-it-her-way-and-the-sparks-retire-the-2-time-mvps-jersey]. ### Overview of the Jersey Retirement Ceremony 1. **Ceremony Details**: - The jersey retirement took place before the game against the Chicago Sky, where Parker's contributions were celebrated in front of fans and fellow players [https://www.espn.co.uk/wnba/story/_/id/45610839/los-angeles-sparks-retire-candace-parker-no-3-jersey]. 2. **Parker's Career Highlights**: - Parker spent 13 of her 16 seasons with the Sparks, earning accolades such as two MVP awards and a championship [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/jun/30/sparks-retire-candace-parkers-jersey]. - She is recognized as a transformative figure in the WNBA, having redefined the role of women in sports [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/wnba_commissioner_applauds_candace_parkers_2_team_jersey_retirement/s1_17054_42391096]. 3. **Post-Ceremony Events**: - Despite the Sparks' loss to the Sky (92-85), Parker received a heartfelt gesture from Angel Reese, who ran to hug her after the game, showcasing the respect and admiration she commands in the league [https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/angel-reese-candace-parker-wnba-1235271][https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/342b81f3/angel-reese-runs-to-hug-candace-parker-after-sparks-jersey-retirement]. ### Supporting Evidence of Parker's Impact - **Career Achievements**: - **MVP Awards**: 2 (2008, 2013) - **Championships**: 1 with the Sparks (2016) - **All-Star Selections**: 5 times - **Jersey Retirements**: No. 3 jersey retired by both the Sparks and the Chicago Sky later in 2025, making her one of the few players to have this honor from two different teams [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/wnba_commissioner_applauds_candace_parkers_2_team_jersey_retirement/s1_17054_42391096]. ### Conclusion: A Fitting Tribute to a Basketball Icon The retirement of Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey by the Los Angeles Sparks is a testament to her extraordinary career and lasting legacy in women's basketball. 1. **Significance of the Event**: The ceremony not only honored Parker's achievements but also highlighted her influence on the game and future generations of players. 2. **Community and Player Support**: The presence of fellow athletes and the emotional gestures from players like Angel Reese underscore the respect Parker has earned throughout her career. 3. **Future Recognition**: With her jersey also set to be retired by the Chicago Sky, Parker's legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within the WNBA community [https://www.blackenterprise.com/candace-parker-sparks-retire-jersey][https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/candace-parker-did-it-her-way-and-the-sparks-retire-the-2-time-mvps-jersey]. In summary, Candace Parker's jersey retirement is not just a celebration of her past but a beacon for the future of women's sports.