Candace Parker, a WNBA icon and basketball pioneer, is making headlines once again—this time as the newly-appointed president of Adidas Women’s Basketball.
Having transitioned from her storied career on the court to a leading role in the boardroom, Parker is set to bring a transformative vision to the brand.
Parker’s association with Adidas began in 2008 when she joined the brand as an ambassador. This year, shortly after announcing her retirement from professional basketball, she took on the role of president, marking a new chapter in her career.
At 38, Parker is determined to leverage her expertise to elevate Adidas Women’s Basketball and further the brand’s commitment to women’s sports.
In an interview with Boardroom, Parker shared her ambitions and the strategic discussions currently underway at Adidas.
“We’re having conversations daily about whether we should specify that products are for women or present them as universal,” Parker said. “The goal is to grow the game and make a significant impact even though I’m no longer playing.”
Parker’s new role involves not just overseeing the Adidas Women’s Basketball division but also shaping its future.
“I bleed Three Stripes,” she said, referencing the iconic Adidas logo. “I want to be synonymous with Adidas, and we’re exploring how to integrate that with our long-term goals.”
One of Parker’s primary objectives is to amplify the presence and influence of women athletes through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing.
The recent signing of prominent players like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark highlights Adidas’ commitment to supporting top female talent. Parker aims to build on these relationships to drive lasting impact and success.
“Women have led fashion for a long time, and we want to create something that’s not just current but futuristic,” Parker noted. “We need to ensure that our resources and marketing efforts support our athletes effectively.”
While Parker acknowledges that the full impact of her efforts may not be realized until the fall of 2025, she remains optimistic about the future.
“We’re working backwards from our goals to ensure we meet them,” she said. “The road ahead is long, but the potential is immense.”
As Parker steps into this new role, she is poised to make significant contributions to both Adidas and women’s basketball, reaffirming her legacy as a game-changer in the sport.
