The Chicago Sky will immortalize franchise icon Candace Parker by retiring her No. 3 jersey during their August 25 home game against the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena. Her jersey will join the 2021 championship banner in the rafters, commemorating her pivotal role in helping deliver the team’s first-ever WNBA title .
A Hometown Legacy
Parker, who grew up in Naperville playing on local courts, said she never imagined her jersey would hang overhead for her hometown team. “Playing here with my brothers and dreaming of winning in Chicago…I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team,” she remarked. “Coming home and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship—it was personal.”
Ceremony Highlights
- On‑court celebration: Parker will be honored with a special ceremony featuring guest appearances, a highlight video, and her own address to the crowd.
- Fan experiences: Attendees will have access to limited-edition merch and giveaways.
- Book tie‑ins: In support of her new memoir, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions, the Sky will host book-themed activations and sell copies both in-arena and online.
- Memorabilia display: Wintrust Arena will showcase Parker’s career highlights and key artifacts in a dedicated display area .
A Legend Immortalized
Sky CEO Adam Fox praised Parker as “a legend, future Hall‑of‑Famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball.” He emphasized her leadership, athletic impact, and inspiration both on and off the court .
Dual Recognition This Summer
Parker will see her No. 3 jersey retired twice this summer: first by the Los Angeles Sparks on June 29 and then by the Chicago Sky on August 25 . She joins Sparks legends Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler, cementing her enduring legacy across multiple WNBA franchises .
Impact in Chicago
Although she wore Sky colors for just two seasons (2021–22), Parker left an indelible mark—averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 55 starts, earning two All-Star nods, and making First-Team All-WNBA in 2022. Most importantly, she led the Sky to their first championship title in 2021 .
This ceremony isn’t just a tribute—it’s a celebration of the legacy Parker built in Chicago and across the WNBA. Fans of all generations will have the opportunity to honor one of the game’s all-time greats.
