Candace Parker Goes From WNBA to Retirement To President of Adidas Women’s Basketball In Just Over A Week

When most people retire, they normally take at least six months to consider what they will do next. Some take pickleball lessons, some get lost on a golf course, and some binge-watch all nine seasons of Suits on Netflix. Still, if you're Candace Parker, you needed a few weeks from retiring from the WNBA to accepting a new gig as the President of Adidas Women's Basketball.

“Parker’s role will also involve overseeing the Adidas Women’s Basketball product line and spearheading further development of the brand’s storied women’s roster — which boasts all-stars like Aliyah Boston, Erica Wheeler, Sophie Cunningham, and Kahleah Copper, to name a few.”

Early in the day, Adidas announced a partnership with Parker to develop a strong platform focused on impacting and advancing the future of women's sports. Parker will work closely with the brand to develop innovative strategies and empowering initiatives to advance the sport and inspire the next generation of female basketball players to aspire to greater heights.

“I said to [Adidas], ‘I don’t want to be a mascot," Parker said. "I really want to be in the meetings, and I want to be a part of making decisions.'"

“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, who recently retired from professional basketball, signed with Adidas in 2008 and has remained with the brand ever since. In 2021, Adidas launched a signature collection of apparel and footwear in collaboration with Parker.

“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, Adidas’ global GM of basketball. “As a true innovator with a profound passion for the game, we are confident that she is a perfect fit to evolve the Adidas Women’s Basketball business and catalyze a new era of growth and credibility for the brand.”

In her new role, Parker will establish a platform at Adidas dedicated to uplifting women's sports. Her appointment comes at a time of renewed enthusiasm for women's basketball, fueled by the emergence of young stars such as Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and A'ja Wilson.