Crypto.com Arena was awash in purple and gold on June 29, 2025, when the Los Angeles Sparks paused their contest against the Chicago Sky to pay homage to the three-time WNBA champion.
At halftime, amid a thunderous ovation, Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey ascended into the rafters, joining only Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and Penny Toler (No. 11) in Sparks history to receive such an honor.
Natalia Bryant Congratulates Candace Parker as Sparks Retire Jersey No. 3
Just hours after the ceremony, the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia paid her respects to the WNBA legend through her Instagram story.
Reharing the official post of the WNBA, Natalia wrote, “Congratulations @candaceparker <heart emoji>.”
The emotional half‑time program began with a stirring video montage chronicling Parker’s journey from her 2008 WNBA debut with the Los Angeles Sparks to her 2016 Finals MVP performance that delivered the Sparks their third championship. As Jay‑Z’s “Song Cry” echoed around the arena, a black curtain dropped to unveil her shimmering gold jersey mounted high above center court.
Parker then took the microphone after introductions by Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and revealed she had prepared notes for the rare occasion.
“Normally, I’d go off the cuff, off the dome, no pen, like Jay Z, but today I decided to write a couple of words. So, you’ll have to excuse me. As a kid from Chicago land, my idea of Hollywood was through basketball. It wasn’t the glitz and glam or the red carpets,” Parker reflected, her voice steady yet emotional.
Parker continued, “I am humbled to have number three up there amongst the greatest. I don’t take that for granted… It means the world to me. I’ve seen a bunch of familiar faces that helped me throughout my journey… I appreciate them as well. You know, the big thing is to always have a foundation in the little things. This jersey going up in the rafters is no different.”
She gave us more than buckets. She gave us herself.
Candace Parker. Forever A Spark. pic.twitter.com/fEPMxgWTEd
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 30, 2025
Over 16 seasons (split between the Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces), she amassed three championship titles, two MVP awards (2008, 2013), a Finals MVP (2016), seven All‑Star nods, two Olympic gold medals, and an indelible legacy on and off the court.
As the rafters glowed with her No. 3, Parker later expressed her emotions through a press release. “To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor. This moment is not just about me. It’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans,” Parker said.
Furthermore, the Chicago Sky are set to retire her No. 3 later this summer (August 25), fans will have another chance to honor her legacy.
