Lady Vols Legend Candace Parker Headed to Naismith Hall of Fame

Parker to be inducted in 2026 class alongside WNBA star Elena Delle Donne and others.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:33pm

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Candace Parker, the legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball player, will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026 according to a report from ESPN. Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion, will be joined in the 2026 class by WNBA great Elena Delle Donne, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, and former NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire.

Why it matters

Candace Parker's induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame cements her legacy as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time. Her accomplishments at the University of Tennessee and in the WNBA have left an indelible mark on the sport, and her selection in her first year of eligibility is a testament to her sustained excellence over a remarkable career.

The details

Parker will be officially inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on August 15, 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The full 2026 class is set to be announced on April 4. Parker will also be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame this year, in her first year of eligibility. During her WNBA career, Parker was a two-time league MVP, three-time champion, and 10-time All-WNBA selection. She is the only player in WNBA history to win a title with three different teams, and the first to record multiple triple-doubles in a single season.

  • Parker retired from the WNBA in April 2024 after 16 seasons.
  • Parker's No. 3 jersey was retired by both the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky last summer.
  • Parker's jersey has been retired at the University of Tennessee, where she starred from 2004-2008, since 2014.

The players

Candace Parker

A legendary women's basketball player who starred at the University of Tennessee and in the WNBA, winning two MVP awards and three championships over her 16-year professional career.

Elena Delle Donne

A WNBA great who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Candace Parker in 2026.

Doc Rivers

The current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who will also be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

Amar'e Stoudemire

A former NBA player who will be part of the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction class.

Pat Summitt

The legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach who led the Lady Vols to back-to-back national championships with Candace Parker in 2007 and 2008.

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What they’re saying

“Candace Parker's induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility is a testament to her sustained excellence and impact on the game of women's basketball.”

— Cora Hall, University of Tennessee women's athletics reporter

What’s next

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will officially announce its 2026 induction class on April 4.

The takeaway

Candace Parker's selection to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time. Her accomplishments at Tennessee and in the WNBA have left an indelible mark on the sport, and her induction in her first year of eligibility is a well-deserved honor.