Parker joins WNBA jersey retirements: Leslie, Bird, more

Retiring a player's jersey number is a top honor in the WNBA, celebrating careers and establishing legacies. Since the league began in 1997, over a dozen players and one general manager have received this tribute.

The Los Angeles Sparks will retire Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey in 2025, and the Chicago Sky will retire her No. 3 jersey at home on August 25. The Phoenix Mercury also plan to retire Diana Taurasi's jersey in 2026.

Retired numbers exist across both active and defunct WNBA franchises. For the Charlotte Sting, Andrea Stinson's No. 32 is retired. Her career highlights include being a two-time All-WNBA selection and a three-time All-Star, with career averages of 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

The Connecticut Sun have retired three numbers. Margo Dydek's No. 12 is retired; she was a two-time All-Defensive Team member, eight-time blocks champion, two-time All-Star, averaging 10.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Lindsay Whalen's No. 13 is retired; a Hall of Famer, she won four WNBA championships, was a five-time All-WNBA selection and five-time All-Star, averaging 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with the Sun. Asjha Jones' No. 15 is retired; she won one WNBA championship, was a one-time All-WNBA selection, and a two-time All-Star.