CHICAGO — Chicago’s personal now has a spot of her personal in Chicago.
The Chicago Sky retired Candace Parker’s jersey Monday evening in a halftime ceremony attended by her household, former teammates, even her highschool coach. Fellow Chicago natives Common and Jennifer Hudson had been within the viewers, and Derrick Rose despatched a video tribute.
Advertisement
“My heart will always belong to the state of Illinois, the city of Naperville and the city of Chicago,” Parker stated. “It’s not just where I’m from, it’s the core of who I am.”
Parker, who grew up in suburban Naperville, solely performed two years with the Sky, spending most of her Hall of Fame profession with the Los Angeles Sparks. She was a two-time WNBA MVP with the Sparks — she’s nonetheless the one participant to win Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the identical yr — and gained the primary of her three WNBA titles in Los Angeles.
1 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Aaliyah Edwards grabs a rebound over the Washington Mystics’ Emily Engstler in the course of the second half at CareFirst Arena on Aug. 19. The Sun gained the sport, 80-69.
1 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Aaliyah Edwards grabs a rebound over the Washington Mystics’ Emily Engstler in the course of the second half at CareFirst Arena on Aug. 19. The Sun gained the sport, 80-69.
2 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Dallas Wings’ Maddy Siegrist blocks a shot by the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson in the course of the second quarter of their recreation at Michelob Ultra Arena on Aug. 17.
3 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Los Angeles Sparks guard Julie Allemand (20) tries to regulate the ball throughout an Aug. 15 recreation in opposition to the Dallas Wings.
4 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Los Angeles Sparks ahead Dearica Hamby (5) strikes previous Dallas Wings heart Luisa Geiselsoder (18) in the course of the first half of their Aug. 15 recreation.
5 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) beats the Chicago Sky’s Elizabeth Williams to the rebound in the course of the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on Aug. 13.
6 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Golden State Valkyries’ mascot, Violet, is launched throughout halftime of the sport in opposition to the Connecticut Sun at Chase Center on Aug. 11
7 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Aneesah Morrow controls a rebound in opposition to the Golden State Valkyries’ Cecilia Zandalasini in the course of the first quarter at Chase Center on Aug. 11.
8 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Washington Mystics’ Jacy Sheldon (4) has her shot blocked by the Dallas Wings’ Li Yueru in the course of the first half at College Park Center on Aug. 10. The Mystics gained the sport, 91-78.
9 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Atlanta Dream’s Jordin Canada (3) defends in opposition to the Chicago Sky’s Ariel Atkins (7) in the course of the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 7.
10 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots in opposition to the Washington Mystics in the course of the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 5. The Sky gained the sport, 78-64.
11 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Atlanta Dream’s Allisha Gray (15) shoots over the Washington Mystics’ Sonia Citron (22) in the course of the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 3. The Dream gained the sport, 99-83.
12 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Atlanta Dream’s Maya Caldwell (33) shoots previous the Dallas Wings’ Luisa Geiselsoder in the course of the first half at College Park Center on July 30.
13 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese (5) shoots the ball because the Washington Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen (44) defends in the course of the first half at CareFirst Arena on July 29. The Mystics gained the sport, 103-86.
14 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The New York Liberty’s Isabelle Harrison seems to maneuver to the basket previous the Dallas Wings’ Myisha Hines-Allen (2), Paige Bueckers (5) and Li Yueru (28) in the course of the first half at College Park Center on July 28.
15 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Haley Peters (7) and Golden State Valkyries’ Iliana Rupert (12) work for the rebound in the course of the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 27. The Sun gained the sport, 95-64.
16 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) defends in opposition to the Los Angeles Sparks’ Rae Burrell in the course of the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 24.
17 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Washington Mystics’ Aaliyah Edwards (24) reacts after a foul name in opposition to the Los Angeles Sparks in the course of the first quarter at CareFirst Arena on July 22.
18 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) drives in opposition to the Seattle Storm’s Skylar Diggins in the course of the first half at Climate Pledge Arena on July 16. The Storm gained the sport, 67-58.
19 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Los Angeles Sparks’ Dearica Hamby (5) reaches in for the ball managed by the Washington Mystics’ Emily Engstler (21) in the course of the first half at Crypto.com Arena on July 15. The Sparks gained the sport, 99-80.
20 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Chicago Sky’s Elizabeth Williams (1) defends in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx’s Jessica Shepard in the course of the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 14. The Lynx gained the sport, 91-78.
21 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Atlanta Dream’s Jordin Canada (3) collides with the New York Liberty’s Nyara Sabally in the course of the first quarter at Barclays Center on July 13. The Liberty gained the sport, 79-72.
22 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark calls timeout whereas the Golden State Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes defends in the course of the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 9. The Valkyries gained the sport, 80-61.
23 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart (left) and Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young (0) battle for a unfastened ball in the course of the third quarter at Barclays Center on July 8. The Liberty gained the sport, 87-78.
24 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Las Vegas Aces’ Kierstan Bell (1) blocks the shot of the Connecticut Sun’s Aneesah Morrow (24) in the course of the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 6. The Aces gained the sport, 86-68.
25 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Minnesota Lynx’s Diamond Miller fouls the Golden State Valkyries’ Temi Fagbenle whereas capturing within the fourth quarter at Target Center on July 5.
26 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes (20) seems towards the ball after dropping management in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx in the course of the first half at Target Center on July 3.
27 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Indiana Fever’s Lexie Hull (10) and Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson vie for possession of the ball in the course of the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 26. The Sparks gained the sport, 85-75.
28 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Seattle Storm’s Zia Cooke (7) shoots the ball whereas guarded by the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark in the course of the first half at Climate Pledge Arena on June 24.
29 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham (8) fouls the Las Vegas Aces’ Tiffany Mitchell (3) in the course of the first half at T-Mobile Arena on June 22. The Aces gained the sport, 89-81.
30 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers (5) shoots the ball in opposition to the Washington Mystics in the course of the second half at Entertainment & Sports Arena on June 22. The Mystics gained the sport, 91-88, in extra time.
31 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Connecticut Sun’s Marina Mabrey (3) fouls Caitlin Clark in the course of the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 17. The Indiana Fever gained the sport, 88-71.
32 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young (0) shoots the ball because the Minnesota Lynx’s Alanna Smith (8) makes an attempt to dam the ball in the course of the first half at Target Center on June 17.
33 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Golden State Valkyries’ Laeticia Amihere (3) and Dallas Wings’ Li Yueru (28) go for the ball in the course of the first half at College Park Center on June 17.
34 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) shoots the ball whereas the New York Liberty’s Kennedy Burke defends in the course of the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 14. The Fever gained the sport, 102-88.
35 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Dallas Wings’ DiJonai Carrington (21) makes a move across the Las Vegas Aces’ Aaliyah Nye in the course of the third quarter at Michelob Ultra Arena on June 13. The Aces gained the sport, 88-84.
36 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum (10) makes an attempt to attain a layup because the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson defends in the course of the second half at Michelob Ultra Arena on June 11. The Sparks gained the sport, 97-89.
37 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The LA Sparks’ Emma Cannon (32) and Golden State Valkyries’ Kate Martin (20) battle for the ball in the course of the first half at Crypto.com Arena on June 9.
38 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes (20) makes an attempt a lay up in entrance of the Connecticut Sun’s Tina Charles (31) in the course of the first quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 8. The Mystics gained the sport, 104-67.
39 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Golden State Valkyries’ Cecilia Zandalasini shoots in opposition to the Las Vegas Aces in the course of the first quarter at Chase Center on June 7. The Valkyries gained the sport, 95-68.
40 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Los Angeles Sparks’ Azura Stevens (23) and Dallas Wings’ Teaira McCowan go for the ball in the course of the second half at College Park Center on June 6. The Sparks gained the sport, 93-79.
41 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Phoenix Mercury’s Megan McConnell (16) shoots the ball from her knees over the Minnesota Lynx’s Alanna Smith (8) in the course of the second half at Target Center on June 3.
42 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Las Vegas Aces’ Chelsea Gray (12) collides with the Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum (10) in the course of the fourth quarter of their recreation at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 30.
43 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) is fouled by Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) in the course of the first half at Crypto.com Arena on May 27, 2025.
44 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The Seattle Storm’s Ezi Magbegor (13) goes to the basket in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier (24) in the course of the first quarter at Target Center on May 27, 2025.
45 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
The New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball whereas the Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston (7) defends in the course of the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 24, 2025.
46 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket in opposition to the Atlanta Dream within the third quarter at State Farm Arena on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
47 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) passes the ball in opposition to the Indiana Fever within the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
48 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots in opposition to the Atlanta Dream within the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
49 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Atlanta Dream heart Brittney Griner (42) shoots in opposition to the Indiana Fever within the first half at State Farm Arena on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
50 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots in opposition to the Atlanta Dream within the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
51 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) shoots in opposition to the Atlanta Dream within the second half at State Farm Arena on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
52 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Chicago Sky ahead Angel Reese (5) brings the ball up courtroom in opposition to the New York Liberty in the course of the second half at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025 in Chicago.
53 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
New York Liberty ahead Breanna Stewart (30) jokes with Chicago Sky heart Kamilla Cardoso (10) in the course of the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025 in Chicago.
54 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2) brings the ball up courtroom in opposition to the New York Liberty in the course of the second half at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025 in Chicago.
55 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket in opposition to Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins (7) in the course of the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025 in Chicago.
56 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) talks to her teammates in the course of the second half in opposition to the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025 in Chicago.
57 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Chicago Sky ahead Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket in opposition to New York Liberty ahead Kennedy Burke (22) in the course of the second half at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025 in Chicago.
58 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes (20) celebrates after a basket in opposition to the Golden State Valkyries within the fourth quarter at Chase Center on May 21, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
59 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier (24) brings the ball up as Dallas Wings ahead Myisha Hines-Allen (2) defends her within the fourth quarter at Target Center on May 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
60 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) works round Minnesota Lynx ahead Bridget Carleton (6) within the third quarter at Target Center on May 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
61 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Golden State Valkyries heart Temi Fagbenle (14) congratulates guard Veronica Burton (22) after Burton made a 3 level basket on the buzzer in opposition to the Washington Mystics within the second quarter at Chase Center on May 21, 2025 in San Francisco.
62 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Los Angeles Sparks guard Sarah Ashlee Barker (13) fouls Phoenix Mercury ahead Alyssa Thomas (25) within the second half at Footprint Center on May 21, 2025 in Phoenix.
63 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives on Phoenix Mercury guard Alexa Held (1) within the first half at Footprint Center on May 21, 2025 in Phoenix.
64 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Las Vegas Aces heart A’ja Wilson (22) reacts after a name in opposition to the Connecticut Sun within the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 20, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
65 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives the ball in opposition to Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) within the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 20, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
66 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Las Vegas Aces heart A’ja Wilson (22) makes the basket in opposition to the Connecticut Sun within the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 20, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
67 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Seattle Storm ahead Gabby Williams (5) seems to move the ball by Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the course of the first half at College Park Center on May 19 in Arlington, Texas.
68 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler (17) celebrates from the crew bench in the course of the first half in opposition to the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 19 in Arlington, Texas.
69 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Dallas Wings ahead Maddy Siegrist (20) collides with Seattle Storm ahead Gabby Williams (5) in the course of the second half at College Park Center on May 19 in Arlington, Texas.
70 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier (24) drives to the basket in opposition to Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) in the course of the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on May 18, 2025 in Los Angeles.
71 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Los Angeles Sparks guard Sarah Ashlee Barker (13) seems to move in opposition to Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier (24) in the course of the second half at Crypto.com Arena on May 18, 2025 in Los Angeles.
72 / 72
Top photographs from 2025 WNBA season: See the celebs in motion
Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier (24) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Sparks ahead Azura Stevens (23) in the course of the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on May 18, 2025 in Los Angeles.
But her transient time in Chicago left a deep affect. She led the Sky to its solely championship in 2021, and stays shut with these teammates. The denims she wore Monday evening had photos of her teammates on them, and Kahleah Copper flew in from Phoenix for the ceremony.
“I wouldn’t have missed this day for anything. For real, for real,” stated Copper, who left as quickly as she’d completed her tribute, needing to get again for the Mercury’s recreation in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening.
Advertisement
The Sky’s 2021 title is the one championship by a Chicago sports activities crew for the reason that Chicago Cubs gained the World Series in 2016. Parker led the Sky in rebounds that yr, and was second to Copper in scoring.
“I grew up in the ‘90s … and it was like eat at Portillo’s, eat at Giordano’s, go to Grant Park in June because the Bulls were going to win the championship. Those three things were for sure,” Parker stated. “Living in the city, it was like winning was the bar. If you didn’t win, there was nothing else.
“So to see the Stanley Cups, to see the Chicago Bulls, to then be a part of bringing a championship to Chicago, is surreal,” she stated. “To be from here to win a championship here, it’s nothing like it.”
Parker left the Sky following the 2022 season, signing with the Las Vegas Aces, Chicago’s opponent Monday evening. She’d spend one yr with the Aces, profitable a 3rd WNBA title, earlier than being pressured to retire due to accidents.
Advertisement
Parker had already begun her broadcasting profession earlier than she retired. She can be president of ladies’s basketball for adidas, her longtime sponsor.
But it doesn’t matter what she’s doing, or the place she is, Parker is all the time going to be Chicago’s personal.
“The metropolis is so particular to me,” Parker stated. “I wasn’t drafted here … but somehow I found my way back here, and to play here was an honor. And so to see (the jersey) go into the rafters, it means so much. It really does.
“I’m super grateful.”
This article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago Sky retires Candace Parker jersey