Candace Parker, Wife 'Building Roster,' Expecting 3rd Child

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville native Candace Parker and wife Anna Petrakova recently announced that they are "expanding [their] roster." The pair, who have been married since 2021, are expecting their third child.

The baby will join two-year-old son Airr Larry Petrakov Parker and Lailaa Nicole Williams, 14, Parker's daughter from a previous marriage.

Fittingly, the WNBA champion and Petrakova, who played basketball for Russia in the 2012 Olympics, took to Instagram to share the news of Petrakova's pregnancy with a family photo and an extended basketball-inspired metaphor.

Parker wrote,

"Parker starting 5 loading! Mama and Mommy are switching from man-2-man to zone defense this spring! After four years in the game we are building our roster. We know this rookie will add to our depth chart and contribute versatility to our team. The rookie will join our current roster consisting of a shooter, point forward, rebounder, and little Tikes rim attacker! The team as a whole struggles with clock management and a little bit on the defensive end. We are hoping the young buck will play their role, bring iQ, hustle, length, athleticism and passion to this team. There will be competition at the toddler position, but we will see how training camp plays out. We are super excited for this draft and Team Parker cannot wait to welcome this new star to our team. We love you already. #4YearsDown #ItsOurAnniversary #EveryOtherYearWeAnnounceABaby #LetsMakeThisAThing #LadyBug #3 #2024Draft #classof2042"

When Parker left the Chicago Sky to join the Las Vegas Aces at the start of 2023, she emphasized that her family was her priority.

Parker said via Instagram, "I need to be there for my daughter, for my son, for my wife. I can’t be without them for parts of the season when Lailaa is in school and I won’t miss her volleyball games or school dances simply because of distance. Lailaa starts high school in August and I need to be there for her, just as she’s been there for me."

She added, "While Chicago will always be my home, my family’s home is on the west coast. To play for a championship close to home is the perfect situation for us. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey this summer in Las Vegas."

Parker sat out the remainder of the 2023 season after she had surgery to repair a fracture in her left foot.

Petrakova is due in spring of 2024.