Honestly, the world of celebrity sports relationships usually feels like a curated Instagram feed of private jets and matching tracksuits. But if you’ve been following the journey of Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova, you know it’s actually a lot messier, sweeter, and more complicated than a simple "happily ever after."
It wasn’t just some flash-in-the-pan romance. It was a slow burn that happened while they were literally running up and down the court in Russia. Think about it: two world-class athletes, one from Chicago and one from Moscow, finding common ground in a locker room thousands of miles from home.
Most people didn't even know they were a thing until 2021. By then, they’d already been married for two years. Talk about keeping a secret in the age of social media.
How it actually started: UMMC Ekaterinburg
You’ve gotta go back to 2012. Candace was already a global icon. She was playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian league—a common move for WNBA stars looking to make the real money during the off-season. Anna was there too.
They weren't "love at first sight" material. In fact, Candace has been pretty open about the fact that she’d always dated men before meeting Anna. She was even married to former NBA player Shelden Williams at the time. Life is weird like that. You think you have a set path, and then someone comes along who makes your heart beat "a different way," as Candace put it in her 2025 memoir, The Can-Do Mindset.
🔗 Read more: What Really Happened With the Death of John Candy: A Legacy of Laughter and Heartbreak
They were friends first. Teammates. They bonded over random trivia—apparently, Anna is a human encyclopedia of weird facts—and spent hours wandering through Russian museums. It wasn't a movie moment. No kissing in the rain. Just a gradual realization that they didn't want to live without each other.
The Mexico Proposal and the "Big Three"
Fast forward to 2019. Candace decides to pop the question during a family trip to Mexico. But she didn't do it alone. She had her daughter, Lailaa, help out.
Lailaa held a cake that said, "Will you marry us?"
That’s the kind of detail that hits differently. For Candace, it wasn't just about a partner; it was about expanding the family unit. She’s called her and Lailaa a "package deal" since day one. Adding Anna turned their "dynamic duo" into what they called the "Big Three."
💡 You might also like: Is There Actually a Wife of Tiger Shroff? Sorting Fact from Viral Fiction
Why the secrecy?
You might wonder why they waited until their second anniversary in 2021 to tell the world. It wasn't just about privacy. There was a real, heavy fear involved.
Anna is a Russian citizen. Given the political climate and the Kremlin’s aggressively anti-LGBTQ+ stance, they were genuinely worried about the repercussions for Anna. They weren't just hiding from paparazzi; they were navigating international safety and potential discrimination.
When they finally shared those wedding photos—both in stunning white gowns—it felt like a collective exhale for the fans who had suspected something was up but respected their space.
The "Starting Lineup" is finally complete
If you follow them now, their house is probably a chaotic, beautiful mess of basketballs and baby gear. As of 2026, the Parker-Petrakov household is officially a "Starting Five."
📖 Related: Bea Alonzo and Boyfriend Vincent Co: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
- Lailaa Nicole Williams: The teenager who started it all.
- Airr Larry Petrakov Parker: Born February 11, 2022.
- Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker: The newest addition, born May 21, 2024.
The name "Hartt Summitt" is a direct nod to the legendary Pat Summitt, Candace’s coach at Tennessee. It’s a heavy name to carry, but in that family, "legendary" is basically the baseline.
Life after the WNBA
Candace retired in 2024 after 16 seasons and three championships with three different teams (Sparks, Sky, and Aces—nobody else has done that). Now, she’s the President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas. She’s not just "retired"; she’s basically running the business side of the sport she redefined.
And Anna? She’s right there. A former Olympian herself, she understands the grind better than anyone. While Candace is in the boardroom or on the TNT set as an analyst, they are building a portfolio of investments and raising three kids.
What we can learn from them
Their story isn't just for sports fans. It’s a masterclass in:
- Authenticity over timeline: You don't have to have your identity figured out at 20.
- Protecting your peace: Sometimes, keeping things private is a matter of safety, not just preference.
- Blended family success: It’s possible to transition through marriages and create a stable, loving environment for kids.
If you’re looking to follow their journey, keep an eye on the 2026 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame induction. Candace is headlining the class, and you can bet the whole "Starting Five" will be there in the front row.
Next steps for fans: If you haven't read it yet, pick up a copy of The Can-Do Mindset. It goes into way more detail about those early Russian winters and the internal struggle Candace faced before coming out. Also, keep an eye on the Adidas women's line—Candace is currently overhauling how they design for female athletes, influenced heavily by her life as a mom and a pro.