Courtney Vandersloot Leads New Era as Sky Retire Candace Parker’s Jersey

The Chicago Sky are gearing up to acknowledge Candace Parker with the franchise’s first-ever jersey retirement, while entering a new era with Courtney Vandersloot, another iconic figure from their historic past.

Vandersloot will return to her familiar role as a starting point guard and veteran leader in 2025 after a short stint with the New York Liberty. At 36, she has become a bridge between the Sky’s championship legacy and its promising future.

Vandersloot’s Dual Role: Floor General and Mentor

Vandersloot is back in Chicago and managing the offense like she did during the team’s 2021 title run, guiding a new generation of stars such as Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Hailey Van Lith. The Sky’s identity could be redefined in the post-Parker era due to the dynamic blend of experience and potential created by this youth, talent, and hunger infusion.

“It was awesome to see. I just found out, too. I think that’s a great thing,” Vandersloot said of Parker’s jersey retirement in an interview with Grant Afseth of RG Media. “She’s obviously a Chicago sports icon, a WNBA icon and a legend. She’s done so much for the game—she deserves it. I’m excited to be able to celebrate her and honor her.”

The Parker-Vandersloot Partnership: A Championship Blueprint

Candace Parker was already a two-time league MVP and Olympic gold medalist before signing with the Sky for the 2021 season, and she arrived home to win a title in Chicago. Her arrival marked the franchise’s turning point, and Vandersloot ensured the transition was seamless. The Sky became a balanced and feared team in the league due to Parker’s versatility, championship experience, and Vandersloot’s elite playmaking. They didn’t just win games — they reshaped how the Sky played basketball.

“My favorite part of playing with her is just how she approaches the game,” Vandersloot said. “She approaches it like a winner every single night. She expects a lot from herself, her teammates, her club, her team—everything. And people are better when they’re around Candace Parker.”

The duo made Chicago’s 2021 playoff run easier by knocking off top contenders and eventually hoisting their first WNBA championship trophy in franchise history.

A Celebration Fit for a Legend

On August 25, the sky will forever immortalize Candace Parker by retiring her number. 3 jersey at Wintrust Arena in front of fans, teammates, and the basketball world. A video tribute, on-court presentation, and exclusive giveaways associated with Parker’s recently released book, The Can-Do Mindset, will be included in the ceremony that is scheduled during their marquee matchup against 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’s Career: One of the Greatest in WNBA History

Candace Parker’s resume is virtually unrivaled. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, she burst onto the scene by winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season—a feat never before accomplished. Over the next 15 years, she established her reputation as one of the game’s greatest players:

• 3× WNBA Champion – Sparks (2016), Sky (2021), Aces (2023)

• 2× MVP – 2008, 2013

• 6× All-WNBA Selection

• Finals MVP (2016)

• WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)

• 2× Olympic Gold Medalist – 2008, 2012

Parker is the only player to have won WNBA titles with three different franchises, demonstrating her impact as a leader and difference-maker wherever she goes.

The Sky’s Future: Rooted in Parker’s Legacy, Guided by Vandersloot

The Sky is honoring Parker’s legendary contributions by quietly passing the torch to Vandersloot to usher in a new competitive era. Her return brings valuable leadership to a team that is full of emerging talent. The WNBA is full of exciting young cores thanks to Angel Reese’s tenacity, Cardoso’s inside presence, and Van Lith’s scoring punch. Vandersloot is leading the Sky through a process of not just rebuilding but also retooling. Although Parker’s name is known in history, her spirit is deeply rooted in the team’s culture: expect greatness, play with passion, and elevate those around you.

Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Chicago basketball will forever be shaped by Candace Parker, an icon whose arrival shifted the franchise’s narrative and whose leadership won a championship for her hometown. Courtney Vandersloot is leading a new chapter, defined by promise, youth, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness, as the Sky honors her legacy. The Chicago Sky are prepared for the next championship race with a combination of historic significance and forward momentum.