Chennedy Carter, the accomplished American professional basketball player who was chosen fourth overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft, has a family history deeply rooted in both education and the sport itself. Born on 14th November 1998 in Fort Worth, Texas, she spent her formative years in Mansfield, guided by her mother, Shonda Perkins, an elementary school teacher, and her father, Broderick Carter, a filmmaker who first introduced her to basketball.
Early Life and Family Influences
Carter's competitive spirit was significantly honed during her upbringing, competing against her three brothers. Her parents, Shonda Perkins and Broderick Carter, separated during her early childhood, yet both remained actively involved in nurturing her basketball development, albeit through distinct approaches.
Shonda Perkins: Mother, Educator, and Advocate
Shonda Perkins, Carter's mother, is a dedicated elementary school teacher within the Mansfield Independent School District in Texas. Beyond her role in education, she also operates as an independent travel adviser and is a vocal advocate for mental health within her community. Having primarily raised Chennedy as a single parent after the separation, Perkins diligently attended every game, striking a balance between encouraging her daughter's passion for basketball and firmly insisting on academic excellence. Reflecting on her daughter's innate talent, Shonda shared with The Athletic in 2019: "We thought it was just recreation, but she was really good, really quick and very skilled to be only seven years old. She was just a natural athlete." Perkins was notably present courtside in 2019 when Chennedy delivered one of her most memorable collegiate performances, scoring 34 points against Team USA.
Broderick Carter: Father, Filmmaker, and First Coach
Chennedy Carter's father, Broderick Carter, is a film producer, screenwriter, photographer, and author based in Fort Worth, Texas. He is also the co-owner of Luxe Film Works, alongside Roy Richards. Broderick took on the pivotal role of Chennedy's first basketball coach. One of his most unconventional yet effective training methods involved having her dribble a tennis ball across a rough lawn, rather than a smooth court. This challenging surface significantly sharpened her ball-handling skills beyond what standard court practice could offer. This early, rigorous training laid the foundation for Carter's distinctive dribble-heavy, attack-first playing style.
Sibling Rivalry: Forging a Competitive Edge
Chennedy is the sole daughter in a family of four children, with three brothers: Cameron, Chandler, and Chendall. Growing up in constant competition with her brothers played a crucial role in shaping her aggressive and offensive-minded playing style. Chandler Carter, born in December 1996, openly discussed how the family's sibling rivalry contributed to his sister's resilience. Explaining Chennedy's toughness as the only girl competing with her brothers, Chandler remarked to The Athletic in 2019: "We got her tough, I can say that. She got a lot of her mentality from us, too, and how she approaches the game. Chennedy liked to antagonize people when we were younger. As the only girl, she knew she could get away with it."
Cameron Carter, the eldest sibling born around 1995, maintains a private life and does not have a public profile. The youngest, Chendall Weaver Carter, born on 12th October 2003, is following the family's basketball legacy. Chendall played for the Texas Longhorns from 2023 to 2026 before transferring to the Houston Cougars for his graduate season. The Carter family's basketball connections extend further, with Jia Perkins, a former WNBA player and a first-round draft pick in 2005, being Chennedy's second cousin and an early source of inspiration for her career.
Career Trajectory: From College to Professional Leagues
Chennedy Carter showcased her talent in college basketball at Texas A&M from 2017 to 2020. During her time there, she averaged 22.5 points per game over 88 appearances, earning three First-team All-SEC selections. She was recognised as a McDonald's All-American while attending Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas.
In the 2020 WNBA Draft, Carter was selected fourth overall by the Atlanta Dream, marking the highest draft pick in Texas A&M history. Her professional career has seen her play for the Atlanta Dream (2020–2021), the Los Angeles Sparks (2022), and the Chicago Sky (2024). Her career-best performance in the WNBA came in 2024 with the Sky, where she averaged 17.5 points per game.
WNBA Suspension and Transition to Chinese League
In July 2021, the Atlanta Dream imposed an indefinite suspension on Chennedy Carter, citing "conduct detrimental to the team." A full public explanation for this decision was not provided by the team at the time. Reports suggested the incident stemmed from a bench confrontation involving her teammate Courtney Williams. Carter did not return to the Atlanta roster and played only eleven games that season.
She never returned to Atlanta, but found a new beginning with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022. In 2024, she made headlines again when a foul she committed on Caitlin Clark was upgraded by the WNBA to a Flagrant 1 violation. Following a one-year hiatus from the WNBA in 2025, Carter signed a non-guaranteed one-year contract for the veteran minimum of $277,500 with the Las Vegas Aces on 15th April 2026. However, the Aces waived her on 7th July 2026. Shortly after her release from Las Vegas, Carter signed a reported five-month, $1 million contract with the defending Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) champions, Sichuan, a figure nearly double her entire career WNBA earnings combined. As of late 2026, Carter is participating in her third WCBA campaign as one of the league's leading import scorers, while her future in the WNBA remains uncertain.
Financial Overview
A definitive net worth for Chennedy Carter has not been officially confirmed by reliable sources. However, as of late 2026, her career earnings in the WNBA are estimated to be $516,771 over six seasons, according to Spotrac. Her recent contract with Sichuan in the WCBA represents a significant financial move, underscoring her value in international basketball circuits.