Star WNBA athlete Candace Parker says she is retiring from her professional basketball career.

Last November, WNBA star Candace Parker made an uncertain announcement about her future in the league. After being sidelined by a foot injury, she wasn't sure if she would return to the court and weighed her options. But now, after careful consideration, she has made a big decision: to retire from the game she loves. In her own words, "it's time."

According to WNBA.com, Parker is the only woman to have won three WNBA championships with three different teams. After an impressive 16-year career, which included three championship wins and two WNBA MVP awards, Parker took to Instagram to share the news with her fans. She announced that she has played her last professional game and is ready to move on to the next chapter of her life.

"I'm retiring," she wrote. "I made a promise to never cheat the game and to leave it in a better place than when I entered it. The competitor in me always wants one more season, but my heart and body knew it was time. I needed to give my mind time to accept it."

But just because she's retiring from the court, doesn't mean she's done making moves. Parker is determined to conquer the business world in the same way she dominated the hoops. She revealed that she will be involved in private equity, broadcasting, and production. And, she's not stopping there. She boldly declared her plans to not only own a WNBA team, but an NBA one as well.

The Las Vegas Aces, the team Parker last played for, released a statement in response to her retirement. Despite only playing for them for a short time, they expressed their gratitude for having her as a part of their championship team and wished her well in her future endeavors. They also invited her back to Las Vegas as an Aces alum, hinting at a warm welcome whenever she decides to visit.

Parker's basketball journey began in college, where she led the Tennessee Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008. She then made her way to the WNBA, playing 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks and one season with the Chicago Sky. She made history as the first player to be named both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season. Her impressive career and numerous accolades are sure to secure her a spot in the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame.

To Parker, her fans, and the basketball world, the Las Vegas Aces said, "Thanks for the memories, Candace." And indeed, she has left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

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