Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Cheryl Reeve Join Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee, honors individuals who have shaped women's basketball.

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Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, won NCAA titles with Tennessee in 2007 and 2008 and three WNBA championships (Los Angeles Sparks 2016, Chicago Sky 2021, Las Vegas Aces 2023). Elena Delle Donne, also a two-time MVP, captured the 2019 WNBA title with the Washington Mystics and earned an Olympic gold medal in 2021. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx head coach, holds 378 regular-season wins, 430 total wins and four league titles since 2010. Other 2024 inductees include Amaya Valdemoro, Isabelle Fijalkowski, broadcaster Doris Burke, coach Kim Muhl and former Clemson star Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.

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The induction ceremony took place Saturday at the Tennessee Theater. Parker, Delle Donne and Reeve each spoke. Reeve recalled her first WNBA job in 2001 with a $5,000 salary and described early league instability. Delle Donne honored her sister Lizzie, who lives with multiple disabilities, and credited competition with Parker for sharpening her play. Parker wore a custom suit modeled on Pat Summitt’s sideline attire as a tribute. Family members, including Parker’s children and husband, attended.

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Parker’s résumé includes two MVP awards, three WNBA titles and two NCAA championships. Delle Donne holds two MVP honors and a 2019 championship. Reeve’s record features 378 regular-season wins, 430 total wins and four Lynx titles. All three will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August. Parker, now 40, noted upcoming travel to the Naismith ceremony after a European tour.

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Reeve emphasized her early financial challenges, noting she “ate, drank and slept everything WNBA.” Delle Donne described her sister’s influence as a source of resilience and praised the competitive push from facing Parker. Parker reflected on Pat Summitt’s mentorship, calling her suit a “tangible expression” of Summitt’s impact. The Hall of Fame highlighted the inductees’ collective role in advancing women’s basketball.

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• "From 2001 until today, I ate, drank and slept everything WNBA." — Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx head coach

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• "Although you can't hear me, I hope you can feel the impact you made on me." — Elena Delle Donne, WNBA player

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• "In the words of James Baldwin, children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." — Candace Parker, WNBA player

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• "I love Taco Bell." — Elena Delle Donne, WNBA player

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Parker and Delle Donne will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August; Reeve will coach the Lynx in a regular-season game the following day.

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