Candace Parker, Lynx Head Coach and Former WNBA MVP Headline 2026 HOF Class

On Thursday, eight individuals from the women’s basketball community were announced as the 2026 inductees into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Among them is Candace Parker, who is joined by Minnesota Lynx’s head coach Cheryl Reeve, and two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne.

The class also includes international stars Isabelle Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro, as well as college coaching standouts Kim Muhl and Barbara Kennedy-Dixon. Lastly, ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke is being recognized for her impact on the game through her work in sports media.

"We are honored to pay tribute to eight distinguished legends of this exceptional sport," Hall of Fame president Dana Hart said. "They exemplify the highest standards in women's basketball and have made substantial contributions to the sport, along with shaping the game's historical trajectory."

The induction ceremony is set for June 27, 2026, at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame museum in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Candace Parker recollects hilarious tribute done by A’ja Wilson and Aces upon retirement

Candace Parker spent her final professional season with the Las Vegas Aces. During the 2023 campaign, as she prepared to wrap up her incredible 16-year career, her teammates, led by A’ja Wilson, found a unique and funny way to celebrate her.

In the latest episode of her “Post Moves” podcast with Aliyah Boston, Parker shared that the Aces decided to hold a “funeral” for her retirement.

“I needed the aces having a whole funeral for me in my retirement,” Parker said.

She further told Boston and Sydney Colson that her teammates placed different items in front of her locker as part of the playful tribute. Some left crutches, others added Gatorade, Clase Azul tequila, and Muscle Milk, among other things.

Clips from the moment showed several players taking the joke even further by coming together to hug and pray for Parker, turning the farewell into a heartfelt and hilarious send-off.

Candace Parker’s season ended early in July after she fractured her foot, but in the 18 games she played, she averaged 9.0 points and 5.4 rebounds.

The Aces went on to win the championship that year, making Parker the first player in WNBA history to earn titles with three different teams.

Edited by Advait Jajodia