The Chicago Sky are set to honor basketball legend and WNBA champion Candace Parker by retiring her jersey on Aug. 25 at the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, a press release announced.
Parker’s No. 3 jersey will be raised to the rafters of Wintrust Arena, alongside the team’s 2021 championship banner.
“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 said. “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.”
Fans will be able to celebrate alongside the team with limited edition merchandise available in-arena and online. In addition, fans will receive a special, to-be-announced Candace Parker-themed giveaway. In addition, the Sky will help promote the release of Parker’s book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions; there will be special book-themed activations leading up to and during the game.
Parker is an Illinois legend, playing for Naperville Central High School in Naperville before heading to the University of Tennessee. She signed with the Sky in 2021, playing two seasons in Chicago. Last year, she announced her retirement from the WNBA. In 2024, Parker also left the Sky to play with the Las Vegas Aces, Windy City Times previously noted. At the time, Parker (who has a wife and children) stated, “While Chicago will always be my home, my family’s home is on the West Coast. I’m forever appreciative of everyone in Chicago—our fans, teammates, coaches and ownership.