adidas is proud to announce that Candace Parker is now entering a new chapter as President of adidas Women’s Basketball. She steps into this position on the heels of her retirement, marking the culmination of a sixteen-year partnership with the Three Stripes which was driven by the shared goal to push the women’s game further and leave it in a better place for the next generation of basketball athletes.

Eric Wise, Global GM at adidas Basketball, states: “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.”

In her new role as President, Parker will collaborate with the brand to create a powerful platform aimed at influencing and elevating the future of women’s sports. The WNBA legend will leverage her deep understanding of the game and the needs of female athletes to define a clear and impactful direction, with a focus on access, increased representation, and breaking down barriers on a global scale. With adidas’ full support, Parker will drive innovative strategies and empowering initiatives to push the game further while inspiring the next generation of hoopers to dream bigger and reach higher under her guidance. 

“Stepping into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with adidas,” said Candace Parker, President of adidas Women’s Basketball. “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 is set to play a pivotal role in building upon the brand’s storied women’s roster—which boasts all-stars like Aliyah Boston, Hailey Van Lith, Kahleah Copper, Aaliyah Edwards, Chelsea Gray, Betnijah Laney, Alysha Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and Erica Wheeler, among others. Rounding out her role, she’ll also be overseeing adidas Women’s Basketball products lines.

This role underscores the brand’s commitment to amplifying women in Basketball and its recognition of Candace’s enduring impact as a driver of change and advocate for the sport. A visionary both on and off the court, Parker once again shatters the glass ceiling as she heralds a new era of inclusive and transformative leadership in the sports industry.

Candace’s appointment to President of adidas Women’s Basketball is effective immediately.

About Candace Parker 

Candace Parker proves that there are many GOATs but there is only one ACE. Evidenced by her Hall of Fame-worthy career accomplishments including McDonald’s All-American, Two-time NCAA National Champion, 2008 First Overall Draft Pick, Three-time WNBA Champion, Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-Time WNBA MVP – she is one of the greatest players the sport has ever known. The Chicago native is truly the ACE mom, friend, mentor, executive, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

About adidas 

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 21.4 billion in 2023.