Candace Parker played in the WNBA for 16 years and established herself as one of the greatest players to ever suit up in the league. She’s a two-time MVP, a seven-time All-Star and a one-time Defensive Player of the Year, among many other accomplishments.
Parker also won the WNBA championship three times, all with different teams. She got her first title in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks — the team that drafted her first overall in 2008. When she moved to the Chicago Sky in 2021, she quickly made an impact and helped the franchise secure its first championship.
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In her final season, this time with the Las Vegas Aces, she was part of the A’ja Wilson-led squad that finished 34-6 en route to the WNBA Finals trophy.
WNBA legend Candace Parker attends the ESPYS.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While Parker is no longer playing, there’s no denying that she’s one of the most impactful players the league and women’s basketball have ever seen. Since her retirement, Parker has continued to promote the game as well, as she has been working in sports broadcasting. More recently, she moved to Prime Video to be a game and studio analyst.
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Considering her contributions and how she continues to grow the sport, it’s no surprise that Parker was recently honored as a Hall of Famer.
On Thursday, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame announced its inductees for the class of 2026. Parker was among those selected, along with fellow WNBA great Elena Delle Donne and head coach Cheryl Reeve.
According to a WNBA press release, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame aims to “honor the sport’s history, celebrate current achievements and promote future advancements in the game of women’s basketball.”
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Sure enough, fans were quick to congratulate Parker, with many highlighting that it’s a well-deserved recognition.
“Congratulations Can,” a commenter wrote. Another one said, “Deserve it all!!”
“Keep it coming CP!!!” a fan added.
A supporter remarked, “Congrats Queen. Well deserved. U the reason I started watching women college, Tennessee and WNBA.”
“Living legend,” a poster stated.
A sixth follower shared, “We all knew it was comin.”
Parker and the rest of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be inducted on June 27 at the Tennessee Theatre. They are due to receive the Berenson Trophy — named after iconic Smith College coach Senda Berenson — and a WBHOF Ring.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
