After 16 illustrious seasons and three championships, WNBA legend Candace Parker retired in April. At a Phoenix dinner filled with WNBA icons, Parker shared the reasons behind her decision. Her brother Anthony and daughter Lailaa, both crucial confidantes, noticed her skills declining, signaling it was time to retire.
“The competitor in me always wants one more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it,” Parker wrote in her farewell post.
Parker found it difficult to even watch basketball for a month post-retirement. With no NBA assignments from her role as a TNT broadcaster, the transition, though abrupt, was necessary.
“I went through a month of mourning,” Parker reflected.
During this period, Parker spent time with her family. Watching her daughter Lailaa’s volleyball game, she realized, “I’m exactly where I need to be.” Lailaa, born after Parker’s Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 2008, has been a constant presence throughout her mother’s 16-year career, traveling with her for WNBA, overseas seasons, and Olympic trips.
In her retirement, Parker is dedicated to being present for Lailaa, her 1-year-old son Airr, and her wife, Anna Petrakova. She has since returned to watching WNBA games and reflecting on the current state of the league. When asked about rookies like Caitlin Clark, Parker reminisced about her own rookie experience, recalling intense practices with legends like Lisa Leslie. She highlighted the physicality and competition in the WNBA, values she holds dear.
Candace Parker expressed concerns about the WNBA’s current growth strategy, despite being encouraged by its progress. She questioned whether the league is ready for more teams, comparing it to giving a novice driver a Ferrari. While she supports expansion, she believes it should start with increasing roster sizes from 11 or 12 to 15 players.
“I want to see the rosters expand to 15 first,” Parker told CBS Sports. She emphasized the importance of supporting the existing talent and ensuring player development before adding more teams.
The WNBA plans to expand to 14 teams over the next two seasons, with the Golden State Valkyries joining in 2025 and Toronto, the first franchise outside the U.S., in 2026. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioned that roster size will be addressed in the next collective bargaining agreement, focusing on collaboration with players and owners to continue the league’s momentum.
Despite her retirement, Parker remains dedicated to the future of women’s basketball. She continues her role as a basketball analyst and was appointed president of Adidas women’s basketball in May. Additionally, she is involved in private equity, joining Avenue Capital Group’s Sports investment fund to support teams and invest in sports-related ventures.
Parker is committed to ensuring the growth and recognition of women’s basketball, advocating for thoughtful expansion and greater support for players.
Comments