Candace Parker continues to break down barriers with her professional career. Her newest venture? An agreement with Turner Sports for the 2018-2019 NBA season as an analyst for the NBA.
The two-time WNBA MVP will be a full time analyst and commentator for NBA games on TNT and NBA TV, which will include her taking part in the Players Only studio. The Players Only studio airs during both TNT and NBA TV broadcasts and includes insight for the viewers directly from the viewpoint of former (and current) players.
Players Only telecasts will begin on October 22 and run though the end of January airing on Monday nights. From January 29 until mid-April, they will air on Tuesday nights.
"Candace is one of the most influential basketball stars of the generation and we're thrilled to provide a wide variety of opportunities for her to share her passion for the game and insight directly with fans," said Tara August, Vice President of Talent Relations and Special Projects at Turner Sports per a release. "She is a trailblazer in every sense of the word."
Parker is set to provide analysis and make regular appearances for the NBA's GameTime throughout the season, and will begin on October 21. In addition to her NBA studio work, this coming spring, she will provide coverage for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament… aka March Madness.
Can't wait to talk hoops with the best in the biz! https://t.co/HsXfu15rR9
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) October 10, 2018
"I love broadcasting because it allows me to share my passion for basketball with viewers, and I look forward to sharing my analysis and commentary in a variety of formats," said Parker per the Turner Sports release. "I cannot wait to resume broadcasting with Turner Sports and to be a part of what I consider the best basketball coverage out there."
Always great to have #LVFL Candace Parker, one of the world's most visible athletes, back home on Rocky Top.
She spent some time yesterday with @LadyVol_Hoops, @VOLeaders and all of our female student athletes. pic.twitter.com/LwdgLxylsS
— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) October 10, 2018
It has been up in the air as to Parker's decision to play overseas with top Russian club, Dynamo Kursk. As of Thursday, Parker is still listed on their website (not unusual at all in these types of situations). With no official announcement, and there may not be one, it is safe to assume that unless Parker clones herself, she will not be in Russia this winter.
Parker is an 11-year WNBA vet who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2008 draft. That year she was the first ever player to earn Rookie of the Year and MVP honors at the same time. She won a WNBA championship with the LA Sparks in 2016 and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
