Less than two weeks after retiring from the WNBA, Candace Parker is already taking on a new responsibility.
The former All-Star was named president of Adidas women’s basketball on Wednesday, taking the role after being affiliated with the company for more than a decade.
“Taking into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with Adidas,” Parker said in a statement. “From high school to college to the professional game to today, this appointment by Adidas symbolizes a shared commitment to making impactful changes and setting new benchmarks for the future of women’s sports. It’s not just about products; it’s about fostering a movement focused on innovation, representation and access.
Parker wore Adidas sneakers as a player in high school, at the University of Tennessee and during her 16 seasons in the WNBA. In 2010, Parker was the first woman to receive a signature shoe from Adidas, the ACE Commander. She went on to create three collections with the brand and lead a mentoring program for college athletes sponsored by NIL.
In her new role at the company, Adidas said, Parker “will collaborate with the brand to create a powerful platform to influence and elevate the future of women’s sports.” She will play a “pivotal role” building on the brand’s roster of female basketball athletes, which includes Chelsea Gray, Aliyah Boston, Kahleah Copper, Hailey Van Lith, Nneka Ogwumike and Chiney Ogwumike, among others. Parker will oversee women’s basketball product lines, according to the company.
Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, two-time NCAA champion, three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, announced her retirement from the WNBA on April 28. During the offseason, she signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Las Vegas Aces after missing the second half of last season with a foot injury. She said in an Instagram post announcing her retirement that her injury was not cooperating with surgical rehabilitation – her 10th procedure in her professional career.
Parker has made it clear that she intends to become more involved in business.
“I’m tackling business, private equity, ownership (I will own both an NBA and WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry baby, that will become more real) with the same intensity and concentration plays basketball,” she wrote.
Wednesday’s announcement reflects this. Parker’s appointment to his new role is effective immediately, the company said.
“We are honored to be a part of Candace’s historic legacy as she transitions from an iconic athlete to this new leadership role within Adidas Basketball,” said Eric Wise, global general manager of the brand. .
(Photo by Candace Parker: Elsa / Getty Images for adidas)