THE SPARKS RETIRE CANDACE PARKER’S NO. 3 JERSEY
Candace Parker’s legacy with the Los Angeles Sparks was officially immortalized as the team retired her legendary No. 3 jersey in a powerful halftime ceremony on June 29, 2025. The emotional moment took place at Crypto.com Arena in front of a packed crowd and basketball royalty, as Parker joined the ranks of Sparks icons Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler as just the third player in franchise history to receive the honor.
Dressed in a bold orange pantsuit, Parker stood center court with tears in her eyes as her jersey was raised to the rafters. The night was filled with heartfelt tributes from family, former teammates, and fellow legends. A special video montage featured WNBA icons, Lakers star Magic Johnson, and Sparks Hall-of-Famer Lisa Leslie, who praised Parker for carrying the torch and shaping the future of women’s basketball. “I’m extremely humbled to have number three up there amongst the greats,” Parker said during her speech. “I don’t take that for granted at all.”
Fans were welcomed with a floral #3 display outside the arena and gifted exclusive Adidas shirts with the phrase “That’s Our Ace,” a nod to Parker’s leadership and impact on and off the court. The ceremony marked a full-circle moment for the Chicago native, who was drafted first overall by the Sparks in 2008 and spent 13 seasons with the team. She led L.A. to a championship in 2016, earning Finals MVP, and collected accolades including two league MVPs, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and seven All-Star selections.
Not only has Candace Parker changed the game, but she’s also made history as the only WNBA player to win championships with three different teams—the Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. With the Chicago Sky also planning to retire her No. 3 jersey this August, her impact continues to echo far beyond the hardwood.
Candace Parker isn’t just a legend—she’s a blueprint. And now, No. 3 will hang in the rafters forever, where it belongs.
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