The WNBA has made strides in recent history. It is by the most successful women’s professional league, but it still has a long way to go before it can gain proper attention. It’s a smart league, knowing when to relocate and not overextending itself beyond repair. It’s at a level with room for expansion if the league calls for it.

However, it’s lacking the marketing power of a single player. Football has enough players to choose from – Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. The NBA has Kobe and LeBron. The NHL has Sid the Kid. The MLB has A-Rod. All of them are people that embody the league, someone that people genuinely recognize as a major player in the league.

But who is the face of the WNBA? This is where Candace Parker can step in. No WNBA rookie has stepped into the league with the expectations of being the “face of the league.” Lisa Lesie is an aging-star, who was the face of the league at times. Diana Taurasi hasn’t been marketed as well as she could be, and other hopes have dwindled.

If the recent numbers show, it shows that people are buying the concept of Parker as the face of the WNBA. She already set records in jersey sales for rookies. Season ticket holders for L.A. Sparks games have increased. The WNBA Web site has never had more traffic. This all before Parker has played a meaningful game in the WNBA.

Parker is what the WNBA needs. She is charismatic. She is a positive role model. And, more importantly if her time at Tennessee was any indication, she can play. Parker is the the WNBA as LeBron James is to the NBA. She has the expectations of not only a franchise, but also a league on her shoulders.

It will be interesting to see how Parker deals with the immense responsibility. Along with elevating the league, she also has to provide L.A. with what they really also want – a winner. If there is a market that can benefit from Parker it is the L.A. market. Imagine billboards advertising NBA games with Kobe and then WNBA games with Parker?

The WNBA finally has it’s young star that it can build around, and with her, it can not only elevate the Sparks and the league, but also the players who play against her.

Read the AP Story on Parker here