‘Chicago raised me:’ Sky to retire Candace Parker’s jersey

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Chicago Sky are set to honor franchise legend and WNBA Champion Candace Parker by retiring her jersey during a planned ceremony in late August.

The ceremony will take place on Aug. 25 ahead of the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces. 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,” Candace 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.”

Parker’s retirement ceremony will be complete with an on-court tribute featuring select special guests, team officials said. Parker will address fans in attendance after a video montage highlighting her best moments with Chicago.

Fans will be able to celebrate alongside the team with limited edition merch available in-arena and online. In addition, fans will receive a special, to-be-announced Candace Parker-themed giveaway.

Wintrust Arena will feature a display commemorating Parker’s highlights, memorabilia and key milestones. In addition, the organization will feature storytelling highlighting Parker’s time with the Sky across its platforms in the lead-up to the retirement ceremony. 

“Candace Parker is a legend, future hall-of-famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball. We’re thrilled she decided to come home to Chicago to help the Sky win a championship in 2021,” Sky CEO and President Adam Fox said. “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.” 

Parker’s basketball career began to blossom during her time at Naperville Central High School, before she went on to play for the University of Tennessee. Parker was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2008 and spent 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks. She signed with the Sky in 2021, playing two seasons in Chicago.

In her two seasons, she averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in 55 starts. She helped the Sky secure their first-ever championship in 2021, averaging 13.8 points and 2.1 steals in 10 postseason games. She was an All-Star in both seasons with the Sky and made the All-WNBA First Team in 2022.