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Naperville Today
By the People, for the People
Candace Parker, WNBA Legend, Inducted into Hall of Fame
The seven-time All-Star won three championships with three different teams over her 16-year career.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:30am
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An explosive, energetic illustration captures the essence of Candace Parker's Hall of Fame career.Naperville TodayCandace Parker, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and three-time champion, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on April 19, 2026. Parker, who was born on this date in 1986, played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Sparks over her illustrious 16-year career, becoming the only player in league history to win both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
Why it matters
Parker's induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates her remarkable achievements and impact on the WNBA. As a pioneering player who won titles with multiple teams, she helped grow the league's popularity and inspired the next generation of women's basketball stars.
The details
Parker, a graduate of Naperville Central High School in Illinois, was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2008 WNBA Draft. She spent the first 13 seasons of her career with the Sparks, winning championships in 2016 and 2017. Parker then joined the Chicago Sky in 2021, helping the team capture their first WNBA title that year. She finished her career with the Las Vegas Sparks, retiring after the 2023 season.
- Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986.
- Parker was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on April 19, 2026.
The players
Candace Parker
A seven-time WNBA All-Star and three-time champion who played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Sparks over her 16-year career, becoming the only player in league history to win both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
Naperville Central High School
The high school in Illinois that Candace Parker attended, where she won three straight Ms. Basketball of Illinois awards from 2002-2004.
What they’re saying
“Candace Parker's induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor that recognizes her incredible impact on the WNBA and women's basketball as a whole.”
— Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx
What’s next
The 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in September, where Candace Parker will be officially enshrined alongside the other members of the class.
The takeaway
Candace Parker's Hall of Fame career is a testament to her talent, leadership, and pioneering spirit. As one of the WNBA's all-time greats, her induction celebrates the growth and evolution of women's professional basketball in the United States.
