Candace Parker’s legendary No. 3 jersey is set to ascend into the rafters of the United Center as the Chicago Sky honors her legacy. The retirement ceremony will take place on August 25, during the Sky’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.

“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,” Parker stated in the team’s press release.
“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.”

A St. Louis native, Parker moved to Naperville, Illinois as a child. Her illustrious career began with a historic high school tenure before she led the Tennessee Volunteers to consecutive national championships in 2007 and 2008. In her rookie year with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, she was awarded the MVP and went on to win the title in 2016. After 13 seasons with the Sparks, she joined the Sky, where her impact was immediately felt, culminating in the team’s first championship in 2021.

The jersey retirement ceremony will include an on-court tribute and a speech from Parker. Additionally, it’s set to coincide with another retirement ceremony; the Sparks will honor her jersey on June 29.

“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 Adam Fox commented. “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.”