The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame will induct Candace Parker in the Class of 2026.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026 Thursday morning.
University of Tennessee and WNBA great Candace Parker is one of four players being inducted. She’s joined by Delaware and Chicago Sky legend Elena Delle Donne and two international players, Isabella Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro.
Parker is a seven-time WNBA All-Star. She played for the Lady Vols for three seasons, leading them to two national Championships. Parker was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. She holds several all-time records at the University of Tennessee including, most dunks in a career, season and game.
“We are honored to pay tribute to eight distinguished legends of this exceptional sport,” said WBHOF President Dana Hart in a press release. “They exemplify the highest standards in women’s basketball and have made substantial contributions to the sport, along with shaping the game’s historical trajectory.”
WNBA and Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve, Kirkwood Community College head coach Kim Muhl and ESPN contributor Doris Burke will also be inducted. Former Clemson Tigers player Barbara Kennedy-Dixon will be a posthumous Veteran honoree.
We are proud to announce our 2026 Inductees into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame! Everyone member of this class has…
Posted by Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 30, 2025
The Tennessee Theatre will host the ceremony on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Each inductee is awarded the Berenson Trophy, named in honor of notable Smith College coach Senda Berenson, who is recognized as the “Mother of Women’s Basketball.” They will also receive a Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Ring.