Less than two weeks into her WNBA retirement, Candace Parker is already taking on a new responsibility.
The former All-Star was named president of Adidas women’s basketball on Wednesday, moving into the position after being affiliated with the company for more than a decade.
“Stepping 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 playing pro to now, this appointment by Adidas symbolizes a shared commitment to making impactful change 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 with Adidas, the ACE Commander. She later created three collections with the brand and led a mentorship program for the company’s NIL-sponsored college athletes.
As part of her new role with the company, Adidas said, Parker will “collaborate with the brand to create a powerful platform aimed at influencing and elevating the future of women’s sports.” She will play a “pivotal role” in building upon the brand’s roster of women’s 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, per 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 wasn’t cooperating with the rehab from surgery — her 10th procedure in her pro career.
Parker made clear she intends to become further involved in business.
“I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both a NBA and WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry babe it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity and focus I did basketball,” she wrote.
Wednesday’s announcement is a reflection of that. Parker’s appointment to her new role is effective immediately, the company said.
“We are honored to be a part of Candace’s historic legacy as she transitions from signature athlete to this new leadership role within Adidas basketball,” said Eric Wise, the brand’s global general manager.
(Photo of Candace Parker: Elsa / Getty Images for adidas)