After 16 seasons in the WNBA, Candace Parker carved out a successful, illustrious career, winning three titles with three different teams: the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016, the Chicago Sky in 2021, and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. Parker took to Instagram to announce her retirement in a post on April 28, where she shared a poignant message. The post included verses from the 2005 track "Dear Summer" by Memphis Bleek and Jay-Z, and a heartwarming image of a young Candace Parker holding a basketball.
Candace may no longer be a staple of the WNBA scene, but she will continue to make waves in the female-centric sports world as the newly appointed president of the Adidas Women's Basketball division. Adidas and Candace Parker have established a long partnership, dating all the way back to 2008, when Parker inked a deal with the three-striped brand following her rookie season. Adidas is leveraging Parker's iconic status and veteran expertise to help drive the growth of the women's basketball market and inspire the next generation of female athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Candace Parker will lead Adidas' Women's Basketball sector, cementing her role as a pioneer of women's sports.
The Next Chapter.
— adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) May 8, 2024
After 16 years as a brand partner, we’re honored to announce Candace Parker as President of adidas Women’s Basketball.
“This new leadership role symbolizes a shared commitment to making impactful change and setting new benchmarks for the future of women’s… pic.twitter.com/zo3Q8HhCCo
Eric Wise, who is the Global GM at Adidas Basketball said this about the partnership and future direction in an official press release:
"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. 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."Eric Wise
It was only fitting for the new president herself to make a statement, and she did just that in the same Adidas press release:
"Stepping into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with adidas... 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."Candace Parker
"To be able to continue this next chapter, the goal is still the game: to grow the game."@Candace_Parker joins TNT after being named President of Adidas Women's Basketball pic.twitter.com/uxyAz1fxim
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 9, 2024
Adidas Women's Basketball boasts an impressive lineup of high-profile athletes, featuring notable names such as Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Hailey Van Lith, and Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, among others. With a respected great like Candace Parker at the helm of operations, she will look to serve as an influence for change and advocate for the sport of women's basketball. Parker will also be responsible for overseeing the product lines of Adidas Women's Basketball.
Adidas acted swiftly to put the new arrangement into effect, with Parker assuming the presidential role immediately.