Former WNBA Player, Candace Parker Separated From Her Ex-Husband, Shelden Williams In 2016 And Later Married Anna Petrakova

October 31, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on October 30, 2026

Former WNBA player Candace Parker split from her ex-husband, Shelden Williams, in 2016 after eight years of marriage.

Although Candace and NBA player Shelden Williams shared a long marriage and a child, their relationship ultimately didn’t last.

As rising stars in the WNBA and NBA, the couple was beloved by fans and admired as a true power couple during their time together.

The exact reason for their divorce was never publicly revealed, though it is known that Shelden filed for the separation.

The two-time consensus national player of the year is now married to Russian basketball player Anna Petrakova, and together, they share two children.

Candace Parker’s Ex-Husband, Shelden, Was The One Who Filed For Divorce With Her

married Shelden Williams on November 13, 2008, after a significant dating period.

A year after getting married, the pair welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lailaa Nicole Williams, in 2009.

In 2013 the couple purchased a 7,000-square-foot home in Encino, Los Angeles, valued at $3.56 million.

Given their steps toward building a future together, including expanding their family, the news of their split shocked fans.

In November 2016, the couple split up after William filed for , citing irreconcilable differences in divorce documents.

Further, he reportedly also filed for joint custody of their daughter and sought spousal support.

According to , Candace Parker even had to pay $400,000 alimony to her ex-husband.

However, they reached an agreement not to pay any spousal support and are currently sharing custody of their daughter.

In 2026, Candace Parker came out, inspired by the encouragement and support of her eldest daughter, Lailaa.

Although Parker started anew with a new relationship, has not remarried and has not been in any public relationship since then.

As co-parents, Williams frequently enjoys outings with his daughter, indicating they successfully navigate their shared custody arrangements.

Although Shelden Williams keeps his personal life private, he occasionally shares photos with his daughter on his social media accounts.

On May 13, 2026, the Duke alumnus shared an post dedicated to his daughter’s fifteenth birthday.

Now retired, Williams actively involved himself in the which he started in 2019.

The foundation helps student-athletes and their families promote physical health through sports.

Moreover, Shelden Williams has dedicated himself to being a supportive father raising his daughter.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Candace Parker shares two children, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker and Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, with her wife, Anna.
• Candace Parker ranks among the greatest players in the WNBA, having won two WNBA MVP titles, two Olympic gold medals, a WNBA Rookie of the Year award, and five All-Star team selections.
• Shelden Williams played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils after which the Atlanta Hawks selected him in the 2006 NBA draft.

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Mahima is an inquisitive soul with a passion for books, music and movies- especially when it comes to overanalyzing them. An avid learner who likes learning anything and everything, with a slightly competitive streak, Mahima values meaningful conversations and finds joy in life's little quirks.

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