Candace Parker's Jersey Retirement: A Night to Honor a Sparks Legend

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, USA - As sports fans gear up for an exciting weekend in Los Angeles, there’s palpable anticipation in the air for a momentous occasion. Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey will be retired at Crypto.com Arena during halftime of the Los Angeles Sparks‘ game against the Sky on Sunday. Kelsey Plum, a star guard for the Sparks, shares her feelings about Parker’s legacy, acknowledging its profound impact on women’s basketball and the generations of players who have come after her. „[Candace Parker] is a beacon of hope and strength for many of us,“ Plum remarked, as noted by Sports Illustrated.

The Sparks are looking to capture a moment of greatness as they celebrate not only Parker’s legacy but also over 28 years of exemplary achievements in the WNBA. Having made her mark over two decades, Parker’s influence continues to resonate with players and fans alike. Dallas Mavericks‘ rookie, Cooper Flagg, also weighed in, sharing his thoughts on Parker’s status among the legends of the game, further highlighting how deeply she has inspired countless athletes in the league.

A Prominent Legacy

Kelsey Plum is also riding a wave of her own recognition. With the University of Washington set to retire her No. 10 jersey on January 18, 2025, she becomes the first women’s basketball player in UW history to receive this honor. „My time at UW was transformational, and I am grateful for every moment,“ Plum reflected as she approaches this milestone. She is a record-holder in many respects, having set the NCAA all-time scoring record with 3,527 points during her remarkable time in college basketball, a title that stood until Caitlin Clark’s emergence in 2024, as reported by Clutch Points.

During her senior season, Plum achieved the single-season NCAA scoring record with an astonishing 1,109 points. Her career features accolades aplenty, from a first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft to the 2022 All-Star MVP. She also played an instrumental role in helping the Las Vegas Aces win back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2022 and 2023. Beyond the court, she has represented the USA on the international stage, earning gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 FIBA World Cup, and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fashion Forward and Empowerment

In addition to her basketball feats, Kelsey Plum is making headlines in the fashion world. Recently, she and fellow players, including Candace Parker and Cameron Brink, participated in a promotional ad for SKIMS, the shapewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian. This partnership marks SKIMS as the ‚official underwear partner‘ of the WNBA. The ad features the players modeling the Fits Everybody underwear collection, bringing a blend of basketball and empowerment to the forefront, as well as showcasing what it means to be a woman in sports, as highlighted by Daily Mail.

Parker expressed her excitement about participating in the campaign, underlining her commitment to positively influencing the game and shining a light on the sport. Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum praised SKIMS for its comfort and shared her enthusiasm for representing a brand that champions inclusivity and empowerment. As these athletes continue to break barriers on and off the court, they remind us all that there’s something to be said for pushing beyond limitations, whether it’s in sports, fashion, or personal achievements.

As this weekend approaches, the Sparks are optimistic about their playoff aspirations, with Plum making a promise to clinch a postseason spot. The energy is high, and the legacy of players like Parker and Plum will undoubtedly inspire both current and future generations of athletes to dream big.