LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Las Vegas Aces’ Candace Parker officially announced her retirement in a social media post on Sunday.
At the start of her 16-year career, Parkers became the first player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season. She would go on to play an additional 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she would also become a two-time Olympic gold medalist and earn her second MVP award.
In February 2021, Parker would sign as a free agent to the Chicago Sky, where she would lead the team to their first-ever Championship.
Parker would later sign with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, but a foot injury would end her season prematurely.
In a social media post, Parker wrote, “This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing “she isn’t the same” when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.”
As for her next steps, Parker also notes in the post that she plans to own both an NBA and a WNBA team.
Parker has also worked as an analyst and a commentator for NBA on TNT, during the WNBA offseason since 2018. Additionally, she has worked as an analyst for the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship Game and has since provided commentary for NBA TV and NCAA Tournament coverage on CBS Sports.
The Aces provided the following statement following the news of Parker’s retirement:
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