Sky retiring Candace Parker's jersey

The Chicago Sky are retiring Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey, the team announced Wednesday.

The ceremony will take place Aug. 25 when the Sky take on the Las Vegas Aces.

"Growing up in Naperville, playing on courts around here with my brothers, and watching Chicago teams like the Bulls who became synonymous with winning, I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team," Parker said in a statement.

"Coming home to Chicago and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship here - it was personal. I'm beyond grateful to the city, the fans, and everyone who's been part of my journey. Chicago raised me, and this will always be home."

Parker signed with her hometown Sky in free agency after spending the first 13 seasons of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks. The two-time WNBA MVP was highly productive during her brief time in the Windy City, earning a pair of All-Star selections and an All-WNBA first-team nod.

Parker averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 boards, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks over 55 appearances with Chicago. She played a key role during the franchise's maiden championship run in 2021.

"Candace Parker is a legend, future hall-of-famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball," Sky CEO and president Adam Fox said. "We're thrilled she decided to come home to Chicago to help the Sky win a championship in 2021.

"Candace has left an indelible mark on women's basketball at every level and has inspired countless players and fans through her outstanding leadership and basketball talent on and off the court. We are honored to retire her jersey and celebrate her incredible legacy as a Chicago Sky player."