Candace Parker Enters Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Candace Parker was officially inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night, June 28, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. This recognition celebrates a career that redefined women's basketball. Parker's journey began at the University of Tennessee, where she led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008.

Her professional career with the WNBA saw her selected first overall in the 2008 draft. Parker became the first rookie to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She secured three WNBA championships with three different franchises: the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. Parker also earned two league MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals.

Beyond her statistics, Parker was a vocal advocate for the sport's advancement. She consistently pushed for greater visibility, investment, and respect for WNBA players. Her Hall of Fame speech honored her college coach, Pat Summitt, whose lessons on leadership guided her throughout her career. Returning to Knoxville for this honor brought her career full circle.