Candace Parker Biography Candace Nicole Parker born April 19, 1986, also known by her nickname “Ace,” is a retired American professional basketball player, widely recognized as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she spent 13 seasons. Parker later played for the Chicago Sky for two seasons and the Las Vegas Aces for one season, securing a championship with each team. Known for her versatility on the court, Parker primarily played as a forward and center. During her high school years, she earned the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award in both 2003 and 2004, becoming the second junior and the only woman to win the honor twice.
Candace Parker Biography
Candace Parker is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker’s basketball journey began at Naperville Central High School in Illinois, where she quickly rose to prominence. She went on to become a star at the University of Tennessee from 2004 to 2008. After turning professional, Parker enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame-worthy 13-year career with the LA Sparks, leading the team to the 2016 WNBA championship and earning the WNBA Finals MVP Award. She later played two seasons with the Chicago Sky, helping the team capture its first-ever WNBA title in 2021, before finishing her career with a season at the Las Vegas Aces, where she won another championship as a veteran player, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest winners in women’s basketball.
Candace Nicole Parker, nicknamed “Ace”, is an American former professional basketball player. Widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Born: 19 April 1986 (age 38 years), St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Spouse: Anna Petrakova (m. 2019), Shelden Williams (m. 2008–2016)
Teammates: Diana Taurasi, Lisa Leslie, Sue Bird, Maya Moore ·
Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, and has two older brothers, including former NBA player Anthony Parker. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Naperville, Illinois, where she grew up. Basketball was a big part of her family’s life, and her father, Larry, had played at Joliet West High School and the University of Iowa in the 1970s. The family were also devoted Chicago Bulls fans. Initially, Candace was hesitant to play basketball, worried she wouldn’t match the level of her father and brother. Instead, she focused on soccer. It wasn’t until eighth grade that her family convinced her to try competitive basketball.
Her father, a key influence on her development, coached and pushed her to improve. She recalls, “He did things to make me mad, to challenge me, because I was so much more athletic and had so much more knowledge of the game than everyone else that sometimes I just coasted.” Her father’s tough love included challenging her with demanding drills, even driving her home if he felt she wasn’t practicing hard enough.
High School Career
Like her older brother, Candace attended Naperville Central High School in Illinois. She led her high school team to state championships in 2003 and 2004, setting school records with 2,768 points (22.9 points per game) and 1,592 rebounds (13.2 rebounds per game), starting 119 of the 121 games she played. Parker is the only player to win the USA Today High School Player of the Year award twice, earning the honor in 2003 and 2004.
She also received the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and the Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award in both years. In 2004, she was named Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, a WBCA All-American, and a McDonald’s All-American. Parker also played in the 2004 WBCA All-America Game, where she scored nine points. Additionally, she was a consensus pick for Illinois Player of the Year in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and was a four-year member of the All-State first team.
Personal Life and Relationships
Candace Parker’s personal life has garnered public attention over the years. She was married to former NBA player Sheldon Williams from 2008 until their divorce in 2016. The couple has a daughter, Lailaa, born in 2009, and despite their separation, Parker has continued to maintain a strong bond with her daughter, often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media. Recently, Parker has been in a relationship with an undisclosed partner but prefers to keep the details of her personal life private.
Candace Parker’s Endorsements
A major contributor to Parker’s wealth is her extensive endorsement portfolio. She has long partnered with Adidas, starring in numerous marketing campaigns. She also has deals with brands like Gatorade, Subway, NBA 2K, and others, which collectively bring in an estimated $3 million annually. In addition, her role as an NBA analyst for Turner Sports adds another lucrative income stream, further boosting her financial success.
Candace Parker’s Net Worth
Celebrity Net Worth estimates that as of 2025, Parker’s remarkable basketball career has earned her a $5 to $7 million net worth. This includes her annual WNBA salary, which estimates suggest landed around $200,000.
Candace Parker’s Salary
Since retiring from the WNBA, Candace Parker no longer receives a player’s salary. During her playing career, she earned approximately $100,000 annually, with a total of around $1.06 million in salary over her 15-year WNBA career.
Conclusion
Candace Parker is a legendary WNBA player known for her versatility and championship-winning career. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces, securing titles with each team. Off the court, she built a strong brand with endorsements and a broadcasting career. With a net worth of $5 to $7 million, Parker’s legacy in basketball remains unmatched.
