Candace Parker opens up on playing career and personal life in new documentary

Candace Parker celebrates her 2021 WNBA title with the Chicago Sky teammates. Parker is the subject of a new ESPN documentary debuting Sunday. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)Candace Parker has achieved virtually everything in basketball. She has three WNBA titles, two MVP awards, made seven All-Star appearances and was the league’s rookie of the year. Not to mention two Olympic gold medals, and two-time national champion in college. As one of the greatest women’s basketball players, she’s no longer trying to be the next Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Instead, she’s looking up to rapper, record producer, and agent Jay-Z. She’s inspired by his diversified business ventures, and aims to build her own empire beyond basketball.

Parker professed her admiration for Jay-Z during a break at the espnW summit where she was a featured speaker. Now, a new ESPN documentary “Candace Parker: Unapologetic” is set to air, revealing an inside look at her life and career, inspiring her with new ideas to expand her businesses, and her interest in history. It will premiere on Sunday then begin streaming on ESPN+. Parker has been venturing into producing and content creation after majoring in sports management at Tennessee, as well as an academic All-American. Parker also owns an ownership stake in women’s soccer club Angel City FC, a production company, a shoe and clothing partnership with Adidas, and is exploring possible history-focused projects.

Like Jay-Z and Magic Johnson, another role model she is compared to is former Lakers great Magic Johnson. Parkers latest documentary “Candace Parker: Unapologetic” follows her on and off the court, from her humble beginnings as a child in Naperville, Ill., through her college career with the University of Tennessee and 16 WNBA seasons. The documentary is expected to give viewers an intimate look at the life of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. It captures Parker’s journey through injuries, and personal milestones, including the birth of her daughter, and her same-sex marriage.

Parker is excited for the documentary, she co-produced, to showcase an authentic and whole story about her that inspires and sets an example for others. She hopes the documentary will shed light on how important it is to be authentic, going beyond her status as a professional athlete. Fans and future players alike will be able to witness Parker’s open and honest reflections about her personal and professional life. She wants to offer a personal and unfiltered view of her life, a tale of resilience, courage, and determination.

The documentary is a transparent and full circle representation of her life and struggle. It also presents a real and intimate side of Parker’s life, that includes her film journey, her basketball career and more. The title “Unapologetic,” offers a glimpse into her mindset and journey. It is a testament to her authenticity and steadfast approach both on and off the court. The documentary is expected to inspire others to learn from Parker’s story, and her journey as an athlete, mother, and entrepreneur. Her story is an inspiration, and her legacy continues to evolve as she empowers and paves the way for others.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.