From WNBA To Adidas: Candace Parker’s Net Worth And Remarkable Career
As women’s basketball continues to blossom, some of its champions have moved on from the game. Candace “Ace” Parker is known as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. As a result, her talent and business acumen is considered a blueprint for young athletes looking to follow in her footsteps.
Parker comes from simple beginnings.
Born in St. Louis, Mo., and raised in Naperville, Ill., Parker made strides in her career. After leading the Naperville Central High School team to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004, college basketball was in her sights. Parker joined the University of Tennessee’s Lady Vols and played through 2005 to 2008.
Candace’s online biography explains: “A native of Naperville, Illinois, it was clear that Candace was destined for great things on the court at an early age. As a 15-year-old sophomore, Candace became a national sensation at Naperville Central High School, leading her team to back to back state championships in 2003 and 2004. Chosen twice, back to back, as both the Naismith and Gatorade Prep Player of the Year, Candace took her accomplishments one step further when she won the slam dunk contest at the 2004 McDonald’s All American Game, becoming the first female to ever win the event, and beating out multiple future NBA stars, including J.R. Smith, Rudy Gay and Josh Smith. After leading her high school team to back-to back Class AA state titles, becoming the first female in the state of Illinois to dunk a basketball in a game, Candace decided to take the next step of her basketball career by committing to the University of Tennessee.”
When she entered entered college, Parker’s success continued.
The biography continues: “Candace Parker entered the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2004 and redshirted her first season due to a knee injury. Shortly thereafter, she began her career for the Tennessee Lady Vols during the 2005-06 season under the legendary Coach Pat Summitt. As a Lady Vol, Candace soared. She became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA game, and the first woman to dunk twice in a single NCAA game. In her first season, she was named the SEC Rookie of the Year, led the Lady Vols to the 2006 SEC tournament championship, and even hit the game winning shot. Throughout the rest of her collegiate career, she went on to win back- to- back NCAA championships with the Lady Vols in 2007 and 2008, leading the team both in scoring (20.6ppg) and rebounds (8.8) her final season. Additionally, she was named the 2007 and 2008 Collegiate Female John R. Wooden Player of the Year, State Farm Player of the Year, Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Year, Kodak All- American, and earned the NCAA Final Four MVP award in both 2007 and 2008.”
Following college, Parker went professional.
In 2008, she was drafted into the WNBA as the first-round, first-overall pick selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. Parker achieved the rare feat of winning Rookie of the Year and league MVP in 2008. The 6’4″ player went on to become a two-time Olympic gold medalist, seven-time WNBA All-Star, and ten-time WNBA honoree.
As her 16-year career ends, she won’t be heading off to an island any time soon. In April 2024, Parker announced her plans to retire in an Instagram post. That said, she is determined to expand her reach beyond basketball, which will aid in growing a lasting empire. Keep reading for the rundown on Candace Parker’s net worth and her business endeavors.
Candace Parker’s net worth comes from a diverse portfolio.
Pay disparity has been an issue in the league, with WNBA players making significantly less than NBA players. Throughout Parker’s career, her salary has been under $200,000 per year, according to Spotrac. However, her skills on the court have put her in a position to create lucrative opportunities to build her wealth. As of 2023, Forbes reports that Parker has earned a net worth of $8.1 million.
Being a winner has translated directly into her earning potential. As a three-time WNBA champion, players typically earn a bonus. She’s also garnered endorsement deals from Google, Gatorade, NBA 2K, CarMax, Subway, and Nissan Motor, to name a few.
Staying connected to sports, Parker started working as a basketball analyst for TNT in 2018 and NBA TV in 2019. She’s also co-owner of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles women’s professional soccer team.
Parker’s next chapter will be with Adidas.
Parker has worked with Adidas as a brand ambassador since 2008, after her successful first year in the WNBA. In 2010, she was the first woman to have a signature shoe. She’s now the president of women’s basketball at Adidas.
“Stepping into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with Adidas,” said Parker in a statement. “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’s net worth is a reflection of her ambitions.
“In the meantime, know I’m a business, man, not a businessman,” she says in her retirement post. “This is the beginning… I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both an NBA & WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, and dominoes (sorry, babe, it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity & focus I did basketball.”
Fans can look forward to Parker’s continued growth and life after basketball.
