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.

 . I mean, can you think of any other players who have won championships with multiple teams? The way Parker has thrived in different roles is pure magic, and Delle Donne's unstoppable scoring ability was a thrill to watch
. I mean, can you think of any other players who have won championships with multiple teams? The way Parker has thrived in different roles is pure magic, and Delle Donne's unstoppable scoring ability was a thrill to watch  . It's not just about their own games, though - they've helped pave the way for future generations of female ballers. This induction ceremony is gonna be so iconic!
. It's not just about their own games, though - they've helped pave the way for future generations of female ballers. This induction ceremony is gonna be so iconic! 
 ... they're finally inducting Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame? Like, I've been saying it for years that there's a huge cover-up about the true extent of their talents
... they're finally inducting Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame? Like, I've been saying it for years that there's a huge cover-up about the true extent of their talents  . Think about it, two MVPs, multiple championships, and still being snubbed from the Hall of Fame?! That's some shady stuff, if you ask me
. Think about it, two MVPs, multiple championships, and still being snubbed from the Hall of Fame?! That's some shady stuff, if you ask me  . And what really gets my goat is how they're only getting inducted now, after they've already retired. It's like they want to keep their legacy a secret or something
. And what really gets my goat is how they're only getting inducted now, after they've already retired. It's like they want to keep their legacy a secret or something  ... I mean, have you seen all the other legends that are still alive and playing? It's just not right
... I mean, have you seen all the other legends that are still alive and playing? It's just not right  .
. . it's just a bunch of rich people playing a game, what's so impressive? candace parker and elena delle donne are just trying to get paid and have some fun, big deal
. it's just a bunch of rich people playing a game, what's so impressive? candace parker and elena delle donne are just trying to get paid and have some fun, big deal 
 ! I mean, can u even? They've been slaying the game 4eva & it's so inspiring to see them gettin the recognition they deserve. I love how they're not just about themselves, but about paving the way 4 future generations
! I mean, can u even? They've been slaying the game 4eva & it's so inspiring to see them gettin the recognition they deserve. I love how they're not just about themselves, but about paving the way 4 future generations  . The fact that they're gettin inducted in 2026 is like, woah! Can't wait 2 c the induction ceremony
. The fact that they're gettin inducted in 2026 is like, woah! Can't wait 2 c the induction ceremony 
 . All these years, we've been over the moon for them, and now they're officially part of the Hall of Fame
. All these years, we've been over the moon for them, and now they're officially part of the Hall of Fame  . I mean, who needs a fancy award when you already have a legacy like that?
. I mean, who needs a fancy award when you already have a legacy like that?  . Love how Candace says it's scary to transition out of basketball - girl, I feel you!
. Love how Candace says it's scary to transition out of basketball - girl, I feel you! 
 these two legends have left an indelible mark on the game and I think it's high time they're recognized for their incredible contributions! From winning championships to earning MVP awards, both players have consistently raised the bar and paved the way for future generations of women in basketball.
 these two legends have left an indelible mark on the game and I think it's high time they're recognized for their incredible contributions! From winning championships to earning MVP awards, both players have consistently raised the bar and paved the way for future generations of women in basketball. the city of Chicago will always be special to them, and it's wonderful to see their legacy being celebrated in such a big way.
 the city of Chicago will always be special to them, and it's wonderful to see their legacy being celebrated in such a big way. . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? Both Parker & Delle Donne have proven that with hard work & determination, you can achieve anything
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? Both Parker & Delle Donne have proven that with hard work & determination, you can achieve anything  . Bring on the 2026 induction ceremony - it's gonna be a celebration for the ages!
. Bring on the 2026 induction ceremony - it's gonna be a celebration for the ages! . Don't get me wrong, she's an incredible player, but I think Elena Delle Donne deserves more love too
. Don't get me wrong, she's an incredible player, but I think Elena Delle Donne deserves more love too 