She’s getting her flowers, right where it all began!
On August 25th, the Chicago Sky will retire the No. 3 jersey of one of basketball’s most decorated legends, Candace Parker. In a ceremony at Wintrust Arena, Parker’s jersey will take its rightful place in the rafters, immortalized beside the 2021 championship banner she helped secure. The moment marks a historic homecoming tribute to Parker, who was raised in Illinois and carried her city to the mountaintop, the WNBA reports.
“Growing up in Naperville, playing on courts around here with my brothers, and watching Chicago teams like the Bulls, who became synonymous with winning, I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team,” Parker reflected. “Coming home to Chicago and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship here—it was personal. I’m beyond grateful to the city, the fans, and everyone who’s been part of my journey. Chicago raised me, and this will always be home.”
From Naperville Central High School standout to national champion, WNBA MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Parker’s basketball résumé is nothing short of legendary. When she signed with the Sky in 2021, it was more than a professional move; it was a homecoming laced with intention. She brought leadership, brilliance, and belief to a franchise hungry for its first title. And in just two seasons, she delivered.
Across 55 starts with the Sky, Parker averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, nearly a block and a steal per game, and was an All-Star both seasons. But her presence meant more than numbers. She was the soul of a championship run that redefined what was possible for women’s basketball in Chicago.
“Candace Parker is a legend, future hall-of-famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball,” said Sky CEO and President Adam Fox. “Candace has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball at every level and has inspired countless players and fans through her outstanding leadership and basketball talent on and off the court. We are honored to retire her jersey and celebrate her incredible legacy as a Chicago Sky player.”
The August celebration promises to be unforgettable. Fans will witness a special on-court tribute with Parker addressing the crowd after a video montage of her greatest Sky moments. Special guests, exclusive limited-edition merch, and a themed giveaway will round out the festivities.
In conjunction with the jersey retirement, the Sky will also help promote the release of Parker’s upcoming book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions, through book-themed activations at the arena. A curated display of memorabilia and storytelling will be on view at Wintrust Arena, commemorating Parker’s impact on and off the court.
For those who watched her rise, who felt seen by her game, and who now see their city forever changed by her legacy, this moment is more than a milestone. It’s a love letter to Chicago, from one of its fiercest daughters.