"Ya’ll need to retire Angel Reese now": WNBA fans react to Chicago Sky's heartfelt gesture toward legend Candace Parker

The Chicago Sky made a major announcement on Wednesday, revealing that the franchise will retire Candace Parker’s iconic No. 3 jersey. The retirement ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 25th during the team’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, the franchise confirmed in an official release.

The announcement was met with widespread praise as most of the fans celebrated Parker's legacy. A few WNBA fans also used the moment to take unwarranted jabs at current Sky star Angel Reese.

A fan said:

Amanda

@Beattheodds101

They gonna retire Angel Reese number after this season. 😂😂😂😂

Another fan said:

LesRac ⚢

@SyncRev

A well deserved distraction from our current situation

A fan commented:

Another fan commented:

(sportsnut72) Don Sweeney sucksass

@sportsnut72

Maybe a classy person like Parker should talk to Reese and tell her to straighten up and stop acting like a baby!

A fan said:

B

@B_original214

No, don't retire it. Let her put it on so she can help their sorry ass

Another fan said:

🌳BIG TRES🌳

@BlGTRES

Hang 5 in the rafters too

Reflecting on Parker’s legacy with the Chicago Sky, the former WNBA superstar spent two impactful seasons with the franchise after signing in 2021. In her very first year, she played a pivotal role in leading the Sky to their first-ever WNBA championship.

Parker's jersey will be raised alongside the Sky's lone championship banner during the retirement ceremony.

Candace Parker overwhelmed with emotion after Sky's gesture

Candace Parker responded to the Chicago Sky’s decision to retire her No. 3 jersey, expressing deep gratitude for the honor. The three-time WNBA champion emphasized that winning a title with the Sky and her time in Chicago represent one of the most meaningful and memorable chapters of her illustrious career.

"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 release.

"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."

In two seasons with the Chicago Sky, two-time league MVP Parker averaged an impressive 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. Following her time with the Sky, Parker joined the Las Vegas Aces, where she played her final WNBA season in 2023.