Candace Parker’s Second Marriage to Anna Petrakova Reportedly Ends Amid Infidelity Allegations
June 2025
Candace Parker’s marriage to fellow former professional basketball player Anna Petrakova has reportedly come to an end, following allegations of infidelity that surfaced earlier this year. The high-profile couple, widely admired for their public advocacy, family life, and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community, have not made formal statements confirming the separation. However, multiple sources close to the situation have indicated that the relationship has quietly unraveled in recent months.
Parker, 39, and Petrakova, 40, were first romantically linked in 2019 and were married later that year. The couple’s relationship was made public in December 2021 when Parker announced their wedding anniversary on social media while also revealing that Petrakova was expecting their first child. Their son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, was born shortly thereafter. In May 2024, they welcomed their second son, Hartt, further cementing what many perceived as a thriving, close-knit family.
Throughout their years together, Parker and Petrakova appeared frequently in each other’s public lives, sharing family milestones, supporting one another’s professional endeavors, and speaking openly about their journey as a same-sex couple in professional sports. Parker, who had previously been married to NBA player Shelden Williams, spoke in interviews about how her relationship with Petrakova marked a new era of authenticity in her life.
Despite this image of unity, signs of tension reportedly began to emerge in early 2025. Sources close to the family indicate that Petrakova discovered messages that pointed to an inappropriate relationship between Parker and a professional acquaintance—described as someone within the broader sports and media landscape. The nature of the relationship is believed to have been emotional in nature, though some close to the situation suggest it may have gone further.
Following the discovery, Petrakova is said to have confronted Parker, leading to a period of strain and eventual separation. While no official divorce filings have been made public, Petrakova reportedly moved out of their shared Los Angeles residence in the spring, shortly before their youngest child’s first birthday. Since then, both Parker and Petrakova have maintained a low profile regarding their personal lives.
Parker continues to fulfill her numerous professional roles, including her position as President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas and her work as a broadcaster with TNT and NBA TV. She has appeared publicly in recent weeks but has made no comment about the reported end of the marriage. Her social media presence, once filled with family photos and candid moments, has noticeably shifted to a more reserved, professional tone.
The reported separation has prompted reactions across the sports and LGBTQ+ communities. Parker and Petrakova had come to symbolize progress in visibility and acceptance, not only as two successful athletes but also as devoted parents and partners. Their story was celebrated as one of love, balance, and courage in an industry that has only recently become more inclusive of diverse family narratives.
As of now, neither party has addressed the matter publicly, and representatives for both Parker and Petrakova have declined to comment. Despite the lack of official confirmation, multiple individuals close to the family have described the relationship as “effectively over,” with co-parenting now the primary focus for both.
Parker, who retired from the WNBA in 2024 after a storied career that included three championships and two MVP awards, remains one of the most influential figures in basketball. Whether she or Petrakova will choose to speak out in the future remains uncertain.