Candace Parker And Wife Anna Petrakova: The Secret Marriage, 'Starting Five' Family, And Latest 2024 Life Updates

WNBA legend Candace Parker and her wife, Anna Petrakova, have built one of the most heartwarming and private families in professional sports, a modern love story that was kept secret for two years before its public reveal. As of late 2024, the couple is navigating life as a "Starting Five," a reference to their three children and two parents, following Parker's celebrated retirement from the WNBA in 2023. Their relationship, which blossomed overseas while playing for the same Russian basketball club, is a powerful testament to finding love and building a blended family life outside of the spotlight, only sharing the news with the world when they were ready to announce their first pregnancy together.

This article provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive look at Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova’s life together, detailing their full biographies, the timeline of their relationship, and the latest news on their growing family and post-WNBA life. Their journey from teammates on UMMC Ekaterinburg to a married couple with a bustling household offers a fresh and unique perspective on the celebrated athlete’s personal world.

The Double-Dribble Duo: Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova Biography & Profile

Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova are both highly decorated professional basketball players whose careers frequently intersected overseas, leading to a deep connection that eventually turned romantic. Their combined professional achievements and diverse backgrounds form the foundation of their powerful partnership.

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• Candace Nicole Parker ("Ace")
  • Born: April 19, 1986, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
  • Career: Former American professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
  • WNBA Career Highlights: Three-time WNBA Champion (Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces), Two-time WNBA MVP, Seven-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA Rookie of the Year.
  • International Career: Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012), played overseas for multiple teams, including UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia.
  • Retirement: Retired from the WNBA in 2023 after a 16-year career.
  • Previous Marriage: Married to former NBA player Shelden Williams (2008–2016).
• Anna Petrakova
  • Born: August 27, 1984, Budapest, Hungary.
  • Career: Former Russian professional basketball player.
  • International Career: Represented Russia in various international competitions, including the 2012 Summer Olympics.
  • Club Career: Played for numerous European clubs, most notably UMMC Ekaterinburg, where she was a teammate of Candace Parker.
  • Retirement: Retired from professional basketball in 2017.
  • Family Background: Daughter of Viktor Petrakova and Nina Petrakova.

A Love Story Overseas: The Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova is unique, starting as a professional friendship on a Russian court and evolving into a powerful, private romance that was only revealed to the world years after they had already tied the knot. The timeline highlights their journey from teammates to a blended family.

2012: Meeting on the Court in Russia

The couple first met in 2012 when they were both playing for the prestigious Russian club, UMMC Ekaterinburg, during the WNBA offseason. This period, where many WNBA stars play overseas for better salaries and competition, proved to be the setting for their initial connection. They quickly formed a close friendship, which eventually turned romantic.

2019: The Secret Proposal and Wedding

Candace Parker proposed to Anna Petrakova during a family trip to Mexico. The proposal took place on a boat, surrounded by friends and family. Later that same year, in December 2019, the couple secretly wed. They chose to keep their marriage private for the first two years, a decision Parker later explained was driven by a desire to protect their privacy and allow their relationship to grow naturally without public scrutiny.

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2021: The Public Announcement and Pregnancy News

In a move that "shook the Internet," Candace Parker publicly announced her marriage to Anna Petrakova and revealed they were expecting a baby together in December 2021. The announcement was a major moment for the WNBA community and fans, who celebrated Parker's decision to finally share her personal joy. Parker's daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, from her previous marriage, was reportedly the driving force behind the public reveal, encouraging her mother to share their happiness with the world.

The 'Starting Five': Candace and Anna's Growing Modern Family

The most recent and compelling update on the couple revolves around their expanding family, which they affectionately refer to as their "Starting Five"—a nod to the five core players on a basketball team. Their commitment to building a modern, blended family is a central theme of their life together in 2024.

Lailaa Nicole Williams (Born 2009)

Lailaa is Candace Parker’s daughter from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams. She is a crucial part of the "Starting Five" and has been credited with being a supportive and loving older sister to her younger siblings. Parker has often spoken about Lailaa’s role in encouraging her to live her truth and share her relationship with Petrakova publicly.

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Airr Larry Petrakov Parker (Born 2022)

In February 2022, Candace and Anna welcomed their first son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, who was born to Anna Petrakova. The birth completed their "Starting Lineup" at the time, adding a new dimension to their family dynamic.

Hartt Parker (Born 2024)

In 2024, the couple expanded their family again with the birth of their second son, Hartt Parker, also born to Petrakova. The addition of Hartt solidified their current "Starting Five" family unit. Parker has openly discussed the challenges and immense joy of having three children, highlighting the busy and loving atmosphere of their home life.

Life After the WNBA: Retirement and Family Focus

Candace Parker's retirement from professional basketball in 2023 marked a significant transition, shifting her focus entirely to her family and her burgeoning career as a sports analyst and commentator. This post-WNBA chapter has allowed the couple to dedicate more time to their children and to each other.

A Focus on Motherhood and Partnership

Since stepping away from the court, Parker has embraced the role of full-time mother to Lailaa, Airr, and Hartt, alongside Petrakova. The couple’s shared background as elite athletes means they approach parenting with teamwork and discipline, a dynamic that is essential with three young children.

Building a Legacy Beyond the Court

While Parker is no longer competing, her legacy as a WNBA champion and trailblazer continues. Her openness about her marriage to Anna Petrakova and their modern family structure has made them significant role models for the LGBTQ+ community and for athletes navigating their personal lives in the public eye. Petrakova, having retired earlier in 2017, provides a stable foundation, allowing Parker to manage her media commitments while prioritizing their home life.

The Importance of Privacy

Despite their public profiles, Parker and Petrakova maintain a strong commitment to privacy, especially regarding their children. They strategically use social media to share curated glimpses of their life, ensuring they control the narrative and protect their family unit from excessive media intrusion. This balance between public recognition and private life is a key element of their enduring partnership, one that continues to captivate fans and followers.