WNBA legend is now a former member of the Las Vegas Aces.
One of the all-time greats of women’s basketball announced on Sunday that she is retiring.
“?Dear Summer
“I know you gon miss me…” ?I’m retiring.
I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.
I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love. What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her.
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.
I fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old and BECAUSE of it my world goes ‘round. The highs are unmatched & the lows taught me lessons. On & off the court I’m proud I’ve always been true & stayed true to ME, even when it wasn’t popular.
I’m grateful that for 16 years I PLAYED A GAME for a living & DESPITE all the injuries, I hooped. I’m grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers & fans who made this journey so special.
In the mean time, know IM A BUSINESS, man, not a businessman. This is the beginning…I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both a NBA & WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry babe it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity & focus I did basketball.
My mission in life, like Pat Summitt always said, is to “chase people and passions and you will never fail.” Being a wife & mom still remains priority #1 & I’ve learned that time flies, so I plan to enjoy my family to the fullest!
Today’s players: ENJOY IT.
No matter how you prepare for it, you won’t be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul. Forgive me as I mourn a bit, but I’ll be back loving the game differently in a while.
? ”I’m done for now so one for now
Possibly forever, we had fun together
But like all good things, we must come to an end
Please show the same love to my friends, dear Summer” ?”
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Many tributes poured in for the three-time WNBA champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star, including from current Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese.
“When Angel Reese was drafted she thought about taking No. 3 because of Candace Parker. Then she thought, no, Parker’s number will be retired soon. More from Angel on what Parker has meant to the game & her:”
“Parker’s former team, the Las Vegas Aces, posted a statement on X as well.
Blessed to have competed against you. Blessed to have had you in an Aces uniform. And most of all, blessed to have witnessed your greatness. “There’s only one Candace Parker. One of one.” — Becky Hammon Thank you, Cand???.”
The future WNBA Hall of Famer will retire as one of the most decorated players in league history.
