Las Vegas, NV (February 1, 2023)—Las Vegas Aces General Manager Natalie Williams announced today that the team has signed two-time league MVP, and two-time WNBA Champion Candace Parker as a free agent.
“We are thrilled to have Candace Parker join the Aces family,” said Williams. “Candace is a future Hall of Famer, a proven champion, and most importantly, an incredible woman. She is a talented play maker, an exceptional leader, and an invaluable piece toward our quest for another championship title. We look forward to welcoming Candace and her family to Las Vegas.”
“My family is my reason and my purpose,” said Parker in announcing her decision to sign with Las Vegas over the weekend. “They have given me the greatest joys I’ve ever experienced, and continue to show me new levels of love and devotion I never knew existed
“As I’ve gone through free agency this time around, of course I’m thinking of where I can compete for my third championship, but the words home and family are what I kept coming back to.”
“After evaluating the landscape together with my family, we’ve decided the Las Vegas Aces are the right organization for us at this point in our lives. To play for a championship close to home is the perfect situation for us. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey this summer in Las Vegas.”
The 6-4 forward/center is a 10-time All-WNBA honoree, who played her first 13 seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Sparks. Parker (36) became the first player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season when she averaged 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while helping the Sparks to a 10-win improvement in 2008.
A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Parker led LA to 11 playoff appearances, including the 2016 WNBA Championship. She earned her second MVP award in 2013 when she averaged 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
The Tennessee grad signed as a free agent with Chicago on February 1, 2021, and led the Sky to their first-ever WNBA Championship that same year.
As a collegian, Parker led the Lady Vols to National Championships as a junior (2006-07) and senior (2007-08), earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player accolades both years.
Since 2018, Parker has worked as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT, during the WNBA offseason. In 2019, she worked as an analyst for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game, and began serving as an analyst and commentator for NBA TV and NCAA Tournament coverage on CBS Sports.
| PARKER’S CAREER HONORS | ||
| WNBA Champion | 2 | 2016 (LA), 2021 (CHI) |
| WNBA Most Valuable Player | 2 | 2008, 2013 |
| All-WNBA First Team | 7 | 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2022 |
| All-WNBA Second Team | 3 | 2009, 2015, 2018 |
| WNBA All-Star | 7 | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 |
| WNBA Defensive Player of the Year | 1 | 2020 |
| WNBA All-Defensive Second Team | 2 | 2009, 2012 |
| WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player | 1 | 2016 |
| WNBA Rookie of the Year | 1 | 2008 |
| WNBA All-Star Most Valuable Player | 1 | 2013 |
| Olympic Gold Medalist | 2 | 2008, 2012 |
| NCAA Championship | 2 | 2006-07, 2007-08 |
| Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year | 1 | 2007-08 |
| John R. Wooden Award | 2 | 2006-07, 2007-08 |
| AP Player of the Year | 2 | 2006-07, 2007-08 |
| Final Four Most Outstanding Player | 2 | 2006-07, 2007-08 |
| PARKER’S CAREER WNBA RANKINGS | ||
| Points | 6,412 | 10th |
| Points Per Game | 16.4 | 16th |
| Field Goals | 2,411 | 9th |
| Field Goal Attempts | 5,034 | 10th |
| Free Throws | 1,265 | 14th |
| Free Throw Attempts | 1,654 | 13th |
| Rebounds | 3,370 | 3rd |
| Rebounds Per Game | 8.6 | 6th |
| Defensive Rebounds | 2,765 | 2nd |
| Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 7.1 | 2nd |
| Assists | 1,567 | 8th |
| Assists Per Game | 4.0 | 20th |
| Steals | 494 | 16th |
| Blocks | 603 | 5th |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.54 | 10th |