Introduction
Candace Parker is a name synonymous with greatness in women’s basketball. As a professional basketball player in the WNBA, she has made waves in the sports world with her incredible athleticism, leadership, and numerous achievements. While Candace is celebrated for her on-court success, many are also curious about her personal life, including her relationship status, Candace Parker Wife, and family. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at Candace Parker’s personal life, her wife, age, career, net worth, and other important details you might not know about this basketball legend.
Who is Candace Parker?
Candace Parker, born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, is a former basketball prodigy who became one of the most decorated athletes in women’s basketball history. From a young age, Candace displayed immense talent and determination, leading her to secure a spot at the University of Tennessee, where she played for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. Parker quickly made her mark, earning NCAA titles and individual honors.
In 2008, she was drafted as the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she went on to have an illustrious career. Over the years, she earned multiple All-Star selections, league MVP awards, and WNBA championships.
Now, as a member of the Chicago Sky, Candace continues to inspire the next generation of athletes while also excelling in various other ventures, including commentary, activism, and philanthropy.
Candace Parker Wife: Who is She Married To?
Candace Parker’s personal life has always been a topic of intrigue for fans and the media. In 2018, Candace Parker married her longtime partner, Anna Petrakova, a former Russian professional basketball player. The couple’s marriage has been a beautiful one, and Candace has openly shared her love and respect for Anna in various interviews. Anna, like Candace, has a background in basketball and has played in several leagues around the world.
Despite the attention surrounding her marriage, Candace has always emphasized the importance of keeping certain aspects of her life private, focusing on her family’s well-being.
Candace Parker Bio in a Table
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candace Nicole Parker |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1986 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Professional Basketball Player, Analyst, Philanthropist |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) |
| Position | Forward/Center |
| College | University of Tennessee |
| WNBA Draft | 2008 (1st overall pick) |
| Team | Chicago Sky |
| Marital Status | Married to Anna Petrakova |
| Children | 1 daughter, Lailaa |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Net Worth (2025) | $5 million (estimated) |
Candace Parker’s Career and Achievements
Candace Parker’s career has been nothing short of legendary. From dominating in college to winning multiple WNBA championships, she has set records and received numerous accolades. Here’s a closer look at some of her most notable achievements:
WNBA Achievements:
- WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
- 2× WNBA Champion (2016, 2021)
- 1× WNBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
- 4× WNBA All-Star (2011, 2013, 2014, 2021)
- 5× All-WNBA First Team (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2021)
- 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012)
- NBA Analyst on TNT (2021 – present)
International Career:
Parker has played in various international leagues, winning championships in Russia and Turkey. Her success abroad further solidified her status as one of the greatest players of her generation.
Post-Basketball Career:
After a stellar career on the court, Parker has transitioned into a career as a basketball analyst for TNT, where she contributes to NBA coverage and provides insights into the game. She is also heavily involved in various charitable efforts, advocating for gender equality and social justice causes.
Candace Parker Net Worth
As of 2025, Candace Parker’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. This impressive wealth comes from a combination of her WNBA salary, endorsement deals, and her ventures into media and commentary. In addition to her basketball earnings, Candace has partnered with major brands and worked on other business endeavors, further bolstering her financial standing.
Candace Parker’s Family Life and Children
Candace Parker and her wife, Anna Petrakova, share a daughter named Lailaa. She has mentioned in various interviews that her daughter is one of the driving forces behind her continued success on the court.
Candace Parker Wiki – Everything You Should Know
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candace Nicole Parker |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Career Start | 2008 |
| Drafted By | Los Angeles Sparks (1st overall pick) |
| Current Team | Chicago Sky (2021–present) |
| Position | Forward/Center |
| Career Highlights | 2× WNBA Champion, 1× MVP, 2× Olympic Gold Medalist, WNBA All-Star |
| Notable Records | First woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament, 1st overall WNBA pick |
| Personal Life | Married to Anna Petrakova, one child (Lailaa) |
| Net Worth | $5 million (2025) |
Candace Parker’s Transition from Player to Analyst
After an illustrious career as a basketball player, Candace Parker seamlessly transitioned into the role of a basketball analyst for TNT. This move has allowed her to continue making an impact on the sport while also broadening her influence in the basketball world. As a commentator, Parker brings a fresh perspective to NBA coverage, combining her in-depth knowledge of the game with a relatable, accessible delivery.
Candace’s sharp analysis, paired with her undeniable expertise, has made her a prominent figure in basketball commentary. She was the first woman to serve as a full-time analyst for the NBA on TNT, breaking barriers and paving the way for more women to enter male-dominated sports media. Her presence in sports broadcasting is an inspiring example of how women can excel in various facets of sports, from playing to reporting and analysis.
Candace Parker’s Role in Social Justice and Activism
Candace Parker is not only a basketball icon but also a passionate advocate for social justice, gender equality, and the empowerment of women. She has used her platform to speak out on important societal issues, including racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender disparities in sports.
Parker has been vocal about her experiences in a male-dominated industry and has often discussed the need for more recognition and support for women in sports. She has worked closely with organizations like The Women’s Sports Foundation and Unite for Change, both of which aim to empower young women and promote social justice.
Parker is also an advocate for mental health awareness, having spoken openly about the pressures athletes face. Her advocacy not only impacts the basketball community but extends into the broader conversation about sports culture and societal expectations placed on athletes, especially women of color.
Candace Parker’s Role as a Trailblazer for Women in Basketball
Throughout her career, Candace Parker has been a trailblazer for women in basketball. As the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, she broke down barriers for female athletes and redefined what was possible in women’s sports. Her iconic dunk in 2006 against the University of Alabama made headlines, and it served as a powerful symbol of women’s athleticism, skill, and strength.
In the WNBA, Parker was a key figure in elevating the profile of the league. Her dominance on the court and success with the Los Angeles Sparks helped bring more attention to the WNBA. Her leadership role with the Sparks, which included winning a WNBA Championship in 2016, made her one of the most recognized faces in women’s basketball.
Moreover, Parker’s unique playing style, which combines a rare combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ, made her a versatile player who could dominate both in the post and on the perimeter. This has inspired countless young girls to pursue basketball, helping grow the sport globally.
Candace Parker’s WNBA Achievements in Detail
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2008 WNBA Draft
In 2008, Parker was selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA Draft. This was a monumental moment, as she became one of the most anticipated prospects in the history of the league. -
Rookie of the Year & MVP in 2008
Parker made an immediate impact in her first year in the league, earning both the Rookie of the Year award and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in 2008. Her remarkable performance that season, which included averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, made her an instant star. -
WNBA Championships
Parker led the Los Angeles Sparks to a WNBA Championship victory in 2016. She was named Finals MVP, marking a high point in her career. In 2021, Parker joined the Chicago Sky and helped lead the team to its first WNBA championship, further solidifying her legacy. -
Olympic Success
On the international stage, Parker was a key player for Team USA. She won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, contributing to the U.S. team’s dominant performances in Beijing and London. -
All-WNBA Honors
Over the course of her career, Candace Parker has earned numerous All-WNBA honors, including multiple selections to the All-WNBA First Team. These accolades reflect her consistency and excellence throughout the years.
Candace Parker’s Personal Life with Anna Petrakova
Anna was a standout player in her own right, competing at the highest levels in various European leagues. Her success on the court led her to become an integral part of women’s basketball globally.
Anna and Candace met during the later stages of Anna’s playing career, and their relationship blossomed both personally and professionally. Despite being in the public eye, Candace and Anna have managed to maintain a relatively private relationship, rarely sharing intimate details but occasionally posting glimpses of their life together on social media.
In interviews, Candace has expressed immense admiration for her wife and their mutual respect for one another’s careers. Anna has been a supportive partner throughout Candace’s career, and together they have built a loving family. Anna’s background as a former player also allows her to relate to Candace on a deeper level, understanding the demands and challenges of professional basketball.
Candace Parker’s Impact on Women’s Sports Media
One of the most remarkable aspects of Candace Parker’s career after basketball is her impact on sports media, especially for women in broadcasting. As a full-time analyst for the NBA on TNT, Parker has become one of the few women to hold such a prominent role in a major sports network. She has discussed how her experience as a player has given her a unique perspective that adds value to the analysis she provides on television.
Parker’s presence in the media has been instrumental in challenging the underrepresentation of women in sports broadcasting. She has shown that women can excel in these roles and have just as much insight as their male counterparts. In doing so, she has helped open doors for future generations of women who aspire to work in sports media.
In interviews, Parker has expressed her desire to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams, both in sports and in other fields that are traditionally dominated by men. She continues to be an advocate for inclusivity and equal representation in sports and beyond.
Candace Parker’s Philanthropy and Community Work
Candace Parker has always been dedicated to giving back to the community. She actively supports several charitable causes, particularly those that focus on providing opportunities for young girls and promoting diversity in sports.
Through her partnership with organizations such as The Women’s Sports Foundation, Parker has worked to empower young women to pursue athletics and education. She has emphasized the importance of supporting young athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, and making sure they have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Parker is also deeply involved in social justice initiatives, particularly those related to racial equality and economic empowerment. She has spoken out against police brutality, advocating for systemic changes to address issues of racial injustice in the U.S.
FAQs About Candace Parker
1. Is Candace Parker married?
Yes, Candace Parker is married to former Russian professional basketball player, Anna Petrakova.
2. Does Candace Parker have children?
Yes, Candace Parker has a daughter named Lailaa, born in 2009.
3. What is Candace Parker’s net worth?
As of 2025, Candace Parker’s estimated net worth is $5 million.
4. What teams has Candace Parker played for in the WNBA?
Candace Parker has played for the Los Angeles Sparks and currently plays for the Chicago Sky.
5. What is Candace Parker’s role in basketball post-retirement?
Candace Parker works as a basketball analyst for TNT and continues to be an advocate for social justice and gender equality.
Conclusion
Candace Parker’s life is a testament to determination, hard work, and excellence. Whether it’s her legendary basketball career or her family life, Candace has shown time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with. From winning MVP awards to becoming a loving wife and mother, she has set an example for countless young athletes everywhere. As she continues her journey both on and off the court, we can expect even more success and contributions from this remarkable woman.
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