For the first time in nearly two decades, Los Angeles Sparks legend Candace Parker experienced the WNBA Finals not from the court — but from the couch. The three-time champion, who officially retired earlier this year, opened up about watching the game she helped shape “as a fan,” calling it both strange and beautiful.
The Sparks narrowly missed the 2025 playoffs with a 21-23 record, but Parker said she’s proud of the team’s growth under first-year coach Lynne Roberts and the leadership of Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum, who joined L.A. in January in a blockbuster three-team trade. “They’ve brought new energy to the franchise,” Parker said. “It’s exciting to see the next generation write their own story.”
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces cemented their dynasty with a 4-0 Finals sweep over the Phoenix Mercury on October 10 — their third championship in four years. For Parker, who won a title with the Aces in 2023, the moment was bittersweet. “Every game I end with a smile,” she said. “Because somebody I love is moving on.”
In June, Parker’s No. 3 jersey was raised to the rafters at Crypto.com Arena, forever immortalizing her impact on the Sparks and women’s basketball. Though she may be watching from the sidelines now, her influence continues to echo through every pass, every shot, and every little girl who dares t
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