Candice Parker was named today the new president of women's basketball at adidas.
The longtime WNBA star retired from active duty last week after 16 years in the league.
In 2010, Parker became the first female Ace Commander to own a signature Adidas basketball shoe.
“I told[Adidas]'I don't want to be a mascot,'” Parker said in an interview with Fast Company. “I really want to be in the meetings and be part of the decision-making.”
“In her new role as president, Parker will work with brands to build a powerful platform aimed at influencing and elevating the future of women's sports,” Eric Wise, global GM of adidas Basketball, said in a statement. We will build it.” “WNBA Legend will leverage her deep understanding of the game and the needs of female athletes to define a clear and impactful direction focused on increasing access, representation and breaking down barriers globally. .”
A two-time WNBA MVP, Parker won league titles with the Los Angeles Sparks (2016), Chicago Sky (2021) and Las Vegas Aces (2023). She spent 13 of her 16 seasons in Los Angeles after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks out of Tennessee in 2008.
Parker ranks third in WNBA history in rebounds (3,467), fifth in blocks (619), seventh in assists (1,634) and ninth in points (6,574). She played in 410 games (406 starts) with the Sparks (2008-20), Sky (2021-22) and Aces (2023), averaging 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks. was recorded.