Aces star, WNBA legend Candace Parker announces retirement: 'She changed the game'

LAS VEGAS -- The Las Vegas Aces held their first training camp practice Sunday without one of the most recognizable faces from last year’s team.

Forward Candace Parker, one of the WNBA’s all-time greats, announced on her Instagram account Sunday morning she was retiring. The Aces confirmed Parker’s decision on social media.

“The Las Vegas Aces family is thankful for the role Candace played in the 2023 WNBA championship season and for giving all of us the opportunity to watch one of the GOATs of the game over the past two decades,” the team said in a statement on X.

An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content.

Parker played 16 years in the WNBA and leaves as one of the sport’s most decorated stars. She won two MVPs (2008 and 2013), two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012), three WNBA titles (20016, 2021 and 2023) and was a seven-time All-Star.

“Candace is one of the greatest basketball players you’ve ever seen, men or women,” Aces guard Kelsey Plum said. “It’s unfortunate that it had to end the way that it did, but her legacy and what she’s done for the game, there’s no one like her.”

‘Changed the game’

Aces forward A’ja Wilson said Sunday that Parker’s retirement was a “gut punch” and that it’ll be “crazy” to not have her in the WNBA.

“She has done so much for this league. She’s given so much to this league and this team,” Wilson said. “I’m just honored to say I was her teammate and I can share the court with her. It’s been a great journey for her and she will forever be my GOAT.”

Parker, 38, averaged nine points per game in 18 appearances her lone season with the Aces. She underwent foot surgery in July and didn’t play the rest of the year as the team went on to win its second consecutive WNBA title.

...continued

swipe to next page