Chicago Sky Greats to be Inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne will join the esteemed list of WNBA legends as they are set to be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame next summer. This announcement marks a significant milestone for both players, who have made indelible marks on the game.
Parker, a native of Naperville, Illinois, has enjoyed a storied career that spans multiple teams and accolades. She won championships with the Sparks, Sky, and Aces, earning two league MVP awards along the way. Her unique style, which allowed her to excel both inside and outside, helped pave the way for future generations of players.
"I love basketball so much that it's really scary when you're transitioning and you're putting the ball down," Parker said in a recent interview. "[What I do now] is a different perspective, but it's still fueled by the same love of the game."
Delle Donne, another versatile forward, has also had a profound impact on the game. She was selected second overall in 2013 and quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league. Her impressive skills earned her two MVP awards, and she led the Sky to a WNBA Finals appearance in just her second season.
Though both Parker and Delle Donne have left their marks in Chicago, much of their legacy was made elsewhere. However, their contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class also includes other notable figures, including Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, international stars Isabelle Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro, former Clemson All-American Barbara Kennedy-Dixon, Kirkwood Community College coach Kim Muhl, and ESPN announcer Doris Burke. The induction ceremony will be a testament to the enduring legacy of these trailblazing women.
As Parker noted during her retirement ceremony in Chicago, "The city of Chicago, Naperville, across the board is just so special." Her words capture the essence of the game and the impact she has had on the lives of fans everywhere.
Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne will join the esteemed list of WNBA legends as they are set to be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame next summer. This announcement marks a significant milestone for both players, who have made indelible marks on the game.
Parker, a native of Naperville, Illinois, has enjoyed a storied career that spans multiple teams and accolades. She won championships with the Sparks, Sky, and Aces, earning two league MVP awards along the way. Her unique style, which allowed her to excel both inside and outside, helped pave the way for future generations of players.
"I love basketball so much that it's really scary when you're transitioning and you're putting the ball down," Parker said in a recent interview. "[What I do now] is a different perspective, but it's still fueled by the same love of the game."
Delle Donne, another versatile forward, has also had a profound impact on the game. She was selected second overall in 2013 and quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league. Her impressive skills earned her two MVP awards, and she led the Sky to a WNBA Finals appearance in just her second season.
Though both Parker and Delle Donne have left their marks in Chicago, much of their legacy was made elsewhere. However, their contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class also includes other notable figures, including Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, international stars Isabelle Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro, former Clemson All-American Barbara Kennedy-Dixon, Kirkwood Community College coach Kim Muhl, and ESPN announcer Doris Burke. The induction ceremony will be a testament to the enduring legacy of these trailblazing women.
As Parker noted during her retirement ceremony in Chicago, "The city of Chicago, Naperville, across the board is just so special." Her words capture the essence of the game and the impact she has had on the lives of fans everywhere.