Candace Parker set to have first of 2 jersey retirements this weekend in Los Angeles
Context:
Candace Parker, a future Hall of Famer, is experiencing a significant transition following her 2024 retirement announcement from the WNBA, taking on roles in broadcasting, Adidas leadership, and prioritizing her family. Her jersey will be retired by the Los Angeles Sparks, with whom she won a 2016 championship, and later by the Chicago Sky, where she secured a title in 2021, making her the second WNBA player to achieve dual retirements. Parker reflects on her career, emphasizing her desire to be remembered as one of the best, and expresses the importance of contributing to championship victories in both Los Angeles and her hometown, Chicago. Despite her busy schedule, Parker is exploring WNBA ownership opportunities, particularly advocating for a team in Nashville, recognizing its historical significance in women's basketball. Her work with Adidas highlights a shift in women's sports from being seen as a charitable cause to a lucrative business opportunity, underscoring the growing financial influence of female athletes and sports.
Dive Deeper:
Candace Parker, following her retirement announcement from the WNBA in 2024, has taken on new roles in broadcasting and as the president of Women's Basketball for Adidas, while also focusing on her family, particularly supporting her daughter's volleyball prospects.
Parker's jersey retirement is scheduled by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she won a championship in 2016, and later by the Chicago Sky, marking her as the second WNBA player to have her number retired by two teams, alongside Lindsay Whalen.
Reflecting on her career, Parker talks about her ambition to be remembered as one of the best and highlights her contributions to winning championships in both Los Angeles and Chicago, fulfilling her goals of hanging banners in the rafters.
Parker is exploring opportunities in WNBA ownership, advocating for a team in Nashville due to its historical significance in women's basketball, although she's yet to succeed in her efforts.
Her involvement with Adidas focuses on transforming women's basketball into a viable business entity, emphasizing the sport's shift from being seen as a charitable endeavor to a profitable market driven by the financial impact of women athletes.