Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Candace Parker Inducted Into Basketball Hall of Fame

8/16/2026

44 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Candace Parker Inducted

Candace Parker was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Aug. 15, 2026 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Parker uniquely earned Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 2008 and later won three championships in 2016, 2021 and 2023.
She earned a Finals MVP, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) despite ten knee surgeries and a 2009 pregnancy.

Summary

Delle Donne Triumph

Elena Delle Donne hit three half-court shots to give Team Washington the 2026 All-Star Shooting Stars victory.
She says backyard drills—shooting over a ladder and sliding against a wall—shaped her shooting mechanics.
Delle Donne credits her sister Lizzie, who is deaf, blind, and has cerebral palsy and autism, for inspiring her push for more disabled participation in the Special Olympics.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA was launched in 1996 by the NBA as a wholly owned subsidiary and began its inaugural season in 1997 with eight teams. Since then the league expanded to 15 franchises and a 44-game schedule by 2025, while maintaining the same court dimensions as the NBA. This growth marks the league’s lasting impact on professional women’s basketball.

1 of 3

Candace Parker Inducted

Candace Parker was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Aug. 15, 2026 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Parker uniquely earned Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 2008 and later won three championships in 2016, 2021 and 2023.
She earned a Finals MVP, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) despite ten knee surgeries and a 2009 pregnancy.

1 / 3