While the WNBA is already buzzing as Caitlin Clark's debut approaches, the women's league is seeing one of its legends leave the court. Candace Parker announced this Sunday the end of her career, at age 38, and after 16 seasons. The Las Vegas Aces player explained that injuries got the better of her desire to pursue a fourth WNBA title.
The first player – and for the moment the only one – to have been elected MVP during her rookie season, Candace Parker will remain as one of the greatest players of the 2010 decade.
“ I promised that I would never cheat with this game and that I would leave it in better condition than when I got there » she detailed on Instagram. “ The competitor in me always wants one more, but it's time. My heart and body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it. »
Titles in NCAA, WNBA, Euroleague or the Olympic Games
Having had foot surgery at the end of the season, which caused her to miss more than half the season with the Aces, Candace Parker was unable to participate in the Las Vegas franchise's quest for the WNBA title last season. However, she chose to re-sign last February for an additional year.
“ This offseason hasn't been any fun with a foot that won't cooperate » she says. “ It's not fun playing with pain (ten surgeries in my career), it's not fun knowing what you could do, if only… It's not fun hearing 'she doesn't' is no longer the same' when I know why, it's no fun accepting the fact that you have to operate again. »
The former player of the Los Angeles Sparks (2008-2020) and the Chicago Sky (2021-2022) concludes her career with an exceptional record: three WNBA championship rings (2016, 2021, 2023), two MVP titles (2008 and 2013), a Defender of the Year title (2020), a Euroleague title (2013), two NCAA titles (2007 and 2008) and two Olympic titles with Team USA (2008 and 2012).
Candace Parker now plans to spend more time with family, but also in the business world. She also reiterated her desire to “ own an NBA and WNBA franchise ” in the future.
