2-time MVP Candace Parker retires after 16 seasons

Las Vegas Aces star Candace Parker announced her retirement Sunday on social media following 16 WNBA seasons.

Parker's decision comes just two months after she agreed to re-sign with the Aces on a one-year deal.

Las Vegas later released a statement on Parker's sudden retirement.

"The memories Candace Parker created for a generation of women's basketball fans will remain ingrained in our collective conscience forever, but she has given so much more to the game beyond her accolades and statistics," the Aces said in a statement. "As a teammate and mentor, a mother and wife, a baller, broadcaster, and businesswoman she has inspired countless young people, both boys and girls, to chase and achieve their dreams"

Parker had a decorated career after the Los Angeles Sparks drafted her first overall in 2008. The seven-time All-Star won three WNBA titles, a pair of MVP awards, and a Finals MVP honor. She was the first player in league history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.

Parker leaves the game ranked third on the WNBA's all-time list for rebounds (3,467), fifth for blocks (619), and seventh in assists (1,634). She led the league in rebounding on three occasions and tallied the most assists during the 2015 season.

In 2021, Parker was named to the WNBA's 25th Anniversary Team.

At the collegiate level, she led Tennessee to a pair of national championships and was a two-time Wooden Award winner as the country's top player.

Parker also had great success on the international stage with the United States, capturing a pair of Olympic gold medals.

Parker has served as an analyst and commentator for TNT's NBA coverage since 2018.