Candace Parker, born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, is a legendary American basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest in WNBA history. Standing at 6'4", she has had an illustrious career as a forward and center. She was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. In her rookie year, she made history by becoming the first player to win both the WNBA Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in the same season. Over her career, she has won three WNBA championships (2016, 2021, and 2023) and earned two WNBA MVP titles (2008 and 2013). She has also been a seven-time WNBA All-Star and a key player for the U.S. national team, winning Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Beyond her on-court achievements, Candace has been a trailblazer off the court, advocating for gender equality and using her platform to inspire future generations.

Before Candace Parker achieved fame and fortune, she was a basketball prodigy with a relentless drive to succeed. Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, she was coached by her father, a former college basketball player, and developed her skills from a young age. By the time she was in high school at Naperville Central High School, she was already making waves, leading her team to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004. Candace became the first woman to win the slam dunk contest at the McDonald’s All-American Game in 2004, defeating top male players and showcasing her incredible talent. She was also a two-time Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the best high school players in the country. She continued her journey at the University of Tennessee, where she played under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. During her college career, she led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008 and became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. Her dominance on the court earned her numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. Her early years were marked by hard work, determination, and a passion for basketball, which paved the way for her illustrious career in the WNBA and beyond.

Candace Parker built her fortune through a combination of her basketball career, endorsements, and media ventures: WNBA Career: As one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history, Candace earned significant income from her contracts with teams like the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. While WNBA salaries are capped, her consistent excellence on the court has kept her in demand. Endorsements: Candace has partnered with major brands such as Adidas, Gatorade, CarMax, and Google. These endorsement deals have been a substantial source of her income, far exceeding her playing salary. Media and Broadcasting: Candace has a lucrative contract as an NBA analyst for Turner Sports, where she provides expert commentary on basketball games. She also made history as the first woman to appear on the cover of the "NBA 2K" video game series. Investments and Business Ventures: Candace has invested in various ventures, including trading-card exchange platforms and other sports-related businesses, further diversifying her income streams. Her combination of athletic talent, marketability, and business acumen has made her one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.