WNBA legend Candace Parker is taking on a new leadership role off the court, joining the Pro Athlete Community as co-chair of its Board of Advisors to help guide current and former athletes through the often-challenging transition into life after sports.

The organization, known as PAC, announced Parker’s appointment Monday, marking another milestone in its efforts to connect professional athletes with educational, business, and mentorship opportunities once their playing careers end.

Founded in 2022, PAC has built a network of more than 1,600 professional athletes from across the sports world, including the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, and PGA. The collective aims to redefine what comes next for athletes by helping them channel their competitive drive into new ventures and personal growth.

Parker, a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP, said the mission resonated deeply with her own post-retirement journey.

She said the transition from playing to the next phase of life can be daunting but also deeply rewarding for those who embrace it.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining PAC’s Board of Advisors,” Parker said in a statement. “For many professional athletes, retirement marks the start of a brand-new chapter—one that can be full of opportunity, growth, and reinvention. While the transition can be challenging, it’s also an exciting chance to discover new passions and purpose. What PAC is doing is truly transformational for athletes, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining what life after sports can look like.”

As co-chair, Parker will work to expand PAC’s reach and representation among women athletes, collaborating closely with co-founders Chip Paucek and Kaleb Thornhill to build on the growing momentum surrounding women’s sports. She joins a distinguished group of advisors that includes Terron Armstead, Ndamukong Suh, Jermon Bushrod, Chrysa Chin, Bronson Kaufusi, Devon Kennard, Kelly Mehrtens, and Julius Thomas. Her fellow co-chairs are former NFL players and Super Bowl champions Devin and Jason McCourty.

PAC CEO Chip Paucek said Parker’s arrival strengthens the organization’s vision and credibility as it continues to grow.

“We’re building something really special here,” Paucek said. “To have someone of Candace’s caliber—as a person and former athlete—take a leadership position in PAC speaks volumes. We look forward to working with her to continue growing our network of dynamic athletes and maximizing our impact.”

Since retiring from the WNBA, Parker has remained a visible and influential figure in sports media, serving as an analyst for TNT and Amazon Prime. She has also championed causes focused on mental health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and access to youth sports—areas that align with PAC’s mission of empowering athletes beyond their playing days.

PAC’s network has become a resource for athletes navigating second careers, whether that means returning to school, investing in business ventures, or dedicating time to community initiatives. The organization’s members collectively reach more than 38 million followers on social media, amplifying PAC’s message of purpose and reinvention after professional competition.

PAC describes its goal as “connecting the biggest talent in sports with the brightest minds in business,” helping athletes transition from elite performance to meaningful pursuits off the field.