Candace Parker: Transitioning from Basketball Star to Business Leader

Candace Parker is reshaping women's sports through her leadership at Adidas and commitment to growth and investment.

### Candace Parker: From Basketball Star to Business Leader
* 🏀 Candace Parker is currently at a **pivotal moment in her career**, transitioning from a professional athlete to a **prominent business figure** in women's sports.
* 💼 Recently appointed as the President of Adidas Women's Basketball, she aims to **grow the game of women's basketball and sports as a whole**.
* 🎓 Reflecting on her impactful college years at the University of Tennessee, she credits legendary coach **Pat Summitt** for shaping her career and instilling **vital life lessons**.
* 📝 Summitt's "definite dozen" principles, particularly **handling success and failure**, continue to influence Parker's approach to challenges in her professional life.
* 🌟 Parker reminisces about the pre-social media era of basketball, where she experienced the **thrill of sold-out arenas and national championships**, contrasting it with the current landscape.
* 💰 She emphasizes the importance of **financial foresight** in her career decisions, recognizing the necessity of **overseas play for better compensation** in women's basketball.
* 📈 Despite the challenges faced in the past, Parker expresses **optimism for the future of women's sports**, particularly with advancements like **NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities** for athletes.
* 👟 Her long-standing partnership with Adidas has evolved into a leadership role, showcasing her **commitment to not only the brand but also the growth of women's basketball** on a larger scale.

### From Basketball Stardom to Business Ventures: Candace Parker's Journey
* 🏀 Candace Parker reflects on her journey from a child in Miami collecting food stamps to becoming a Nike athlete, sharing the surreal moment of **seeing others wear her sneakers**.
* 🥇 She emphasizes the importance of **loyalty**, having been with Nike for **25 years**, and discusses her aspirations to own both an NBA and WNBA team, viewing it as a **continuation of her competitive spirit**.
* 💼 Parker believes in "**speaking things into existence**," and highlights the need for **hard work and goal-setting** to achieve success in business, much like her approach to basketball.
* 📚 To bridge the gap in her business knowledge, she actively seeks mentorship and advice from experienced professionals, emphasizing the **importance of relationships in achieving business success**.
* 🤝 Parker shares her admiration for Marc Lasry, noting their friendship and collaboration, which began **humorously during a celebrity basketball game**, leading to a **fruitful mentorship**.
* 📈 She passionately advocates for proper investment in women's sports, stressing that "**scared money doesn't make money**," and the need for billionaire owners to make **impactful changes**.
* 🎥 As a broadcaster, Parker prepares by studying games and understanding player dynamics, aiming to **connect with diverse audiences** and **share compelling stories** in women's sports.
* 🌟 She concludes by highlighting the shift in perception of women's sports as a **legitimate business opportunity**, urging stakeholders to recognize the **potential for growth and success**.

How Basketball Legend Candace Parker Is Shaping the Game | The Deal

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Candace Parker's Transition from Player to Business Leader

Candace Parker has transitioned from playing basketball to a successful business career, recently becoming the President of Adidas Women's Basketball.

Her time at the University of Tennessee, under the mentorship of Pat Summit, was pivotal in shaping her career and vision.

Parker's experience of playing in front of sold-out crowds and her success in college basketball highlighted the potential of women's sports, driving her passion for making a lasting impact in the industry.

Visualizing the Future: A Journey from Basketball to Broadcasting

The speaker initially pursued a finance major but shifted to broadcasting, driven by a desire to learn and ask questions.

Growing up with older brothers and participating in team sports instilled a habit of seeking knowledge and understanding.

After college, the speaker focused on building a brand, securing long-term partnerships, and playing overseas to provide for their family, while also feeling a sense of responsibility for the WNBA's evolution.

The Impact of NIL and Personal Growth in Sports

The speaker reflects on the challenges of their early career, expressing frustration over missed opportunities for growth and development.

They emphasize the importance of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era for athletes, highlighting its potential to create generational wealth and change.

The speaker's long-term partnership with Adidas has been instrumental in their career, leading to their current role as the brand's women's basketball president, where they aim to make a meaningful impact.

The speaker was actively involved in planning and designing their clothing line at Adidas, developing new relationships and trust with the team.

They were unexpectedly offered the role of women's basketball president, which was a significant moment for them.

The design process for their signature shoe was exciting, and they were thrilled to see replicas of the shoe on their family's feet, creating a lasting impact.

Candace Parker's Transition from Basketball to Business

Candace Parker reflects on her surreal experience of seeing others wear her sneakers, expressing pride and loyalty to Adidas and Nike.

She outlines her ambitious goals in business, including owning both an NBA and WNBA team, and emphasizes the importance of setting goals and putting in the time and effort to achieve them.

Parker highlights the significance of building relationships, learning from mentors, and networking with women to grow in her new business ventures.

The Impact of Marc Lasry and the Future of Women's Sports

Marc Lasry and the speaker developed a strong friendship through their interactions at NBA All-Star games and his mentorship in real estate.

Lasry's commitment to investing in women's sports and his hands-on approach, including attending the Women's Final Four, are seen as crucial for the growth of the game.

The speaker aims to play a role in the future of women's sports by questioning, pushing, and encouraging necessary changes for growth.

Caitlin Clark's Impact on Women's Sports and Broadcasting

Caitlin Clark's journey to the championship game has increased visibility and viewership for women's sports, challenging the traditional scheduling conflicts with the NBA and NFL.

Social media has played a crucial role in highlighting the success and influence of female athletes, leading to a shift in perception of their marketability.

Clark's transition to broadcasting has allowed her to connect with NBA legends, share her unique perspective, and use her platform to tell impactful stories in women's sports and beyond.

The Future of Women's Sports: Business and Storytelling

Shoulder programming, including pre and post-game shows, is seen as a crucial step for the growth of women's sports.

The narrative around women's sports is shifting, with a focus on treating it as a business opportunity rather than a charity.

The increasing visibility of women in leadership and role model positions is creating a new generation of male supporters, highlighting the potential for growth in women's sports.