Out Icon Candace Parker’s No. 3 Jersey Raised to the Rafters: Chicago Sky Honors Hometown Legend

On Monday night at Wintrust Arena, the Chicago Sky retired Candace Parker’s iconic No. 3 jersey, lifting it alongside Allie Quigley’s No. 14 to the rafters and etching Parker’s name permanently into the city’s sports history. The ceremony, held at halftime as the Sky faced off against the Las Vegas Aces, was a profound moment of recognition for an athlete whose career has changed the face of women’s basketball—and whose impact reaches far beyond the court .

Parker’s journey is one of homecoming and triumph. Born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, Parker led her high school to two state championships, setting the stage for a storied basketball career that included NCAA titles with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, two WNBA MVP awards, and three WNBA championships—including the Sky’s first in 2021 . Her jersey is now the only other number besides Quigley’s to be retired by the Sky, a testament to her exceptional achievements and leadership .

The emotional ceremony was attended by Parker’s family, former teammates, coaches, and a city brimming with pride. Video tributes and speeches recounted Parker’s pivotal role in bringing Chicago its first WNBA title and her leadership both on and off the court . Sky head coach Tyler Marsh called her “a basketball savant” and “a legend in this league, a legend in this city,” emphasizing the magnitude of her influence on the franchise and the sport .

Parker’s former high school coach, Andy Nussbaum, praised her commitment to teamwork and her rare ability to inspire those around her: “She’s always been, even though she's had all kinds of individual accomplishments, a team player. And that goes a long way to winning a championship” . The crowd, filled with longtime fans and young aspiring athletes, erupted in cheers as Parker’s jersey was unveiled—an enduring symbol of what is possible when talent and authenticity meet.

Candace Parker’s legacy extends far beyond her statistics. As a Black woman and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Parker has consistently used her platform to advocate for inclusion, equity, and visibility in sports . Her openness about her family, including her marriage to Russian basketball player Anna Petrakova and their journey to parenthood, has resonated with queer audiences and inspired countless LGBTQ+ athletes to embrace their identities without fear .

Parker’s willingness to break barriers was not only evidenced by her play but by her refusal to be defined by traditional expectations. In interviews, she has spoken candidly about the importance of representation in sports and the need for safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes at every level . Her advocacy has contributed to the growing momentum for LGBTQ+ equality within women’s basketball and the WNBA at large—a league recognized for its progressive stance on inclusion .

For LGBTQ+ fans and athletes, Parker’s career has been a beacon of possibility. Her visibility has helped normalize queer identities in professional sports, challenging homophobia and encouraging organizations to adopt more inclusive policies . The Chicago Sky’s support for Parker and its broader commitment to diversity reflects a growing understanding that sports are for everyone—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

During the ceremony, Parker reflected on what it means to be celebrated in her hometown, saying, “Chicago sports set the bar to win. To have my number retired here, where it all began, is something I could only dream of as a kid” . Her presence on the court, her leadership in the locker room, and her authenticity in public life have made her a role model not only for young women athletes but for all who strive to build a world where everyone can be seen for who they truly are .

The Sky’s halftime tribute highlighted Parker’s role in one of the franchise’s most legendary seasons, culminating in the 2021 championship—a victory described as “a fairytale homecoming story for the greatest player of all time” by team officials . As her jersey was raised, the message was clear: Parker’s influence will continue to inspire generations, on and off the court.

Candace Parker’s jersey retirement is not just a celebration of past achievements; it is a call to action for the future of inclusive sports. Her impact is measured not only in championships but in the lives she has touched and the doors she has opened for others. As more athletes come out and more teams embrace diversity, Parker’s story reminds us that authenticity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, inseparable .

The night ended with a standing ovation, as fans, teammates, and city leaders honored a woman whose legacy is as much about courage and community as it is about basketball. For queer audiences and the wider LGBTQ+ community, Candace Parker’s journey stands as proof: greatness is for everyone, and every jersey lifted is a victory shared.