Candace Parker Joins PAC as Board Co-Chair, Advancing Athlete Representation and Post-Career Support

The Pro Athlete Community (PAC), the first members-only network dedicated entirely to supporting professional athletes as they navigate life after sports, has announced a historic leadership milestone: WNBA legend Candace Parker has joined its Board of Advisors as Co-Chair. Parker, a three-time WNBA Champion and two-time MVP, now steps into a pivotal leadership role alongside NFL standouts Devin and Jason McCourty, PAC’s existing Board Co-Chairs. Consequently, her appointment reflects not only an expanded embrace of women athletes but also a renewed commitment to inclusive, player-centered leadership.

A Transformational Vision for Life After Competition

Parker continues to shape the cultural and athletic landscape as a prominent broadcaster and analyst for TNT and Amazon Prime. Now, with her addition to PAC’s leadership team, she brings a mission deeply rooted in empowerment, representation, and long-term impact. Her focus is clear: to create more pathways for athletes, especially women, to discover meaningful opportunities, new passions, and purposeful careers once their competitive days conclude.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining PAC’s Board of Advisors,” Parker said. “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.”

Her enthusiasm reflects a broader movement across the sports world: athletes seeking stronger, more intentional support systems as they shift into new chapters.

Elevating Women Athletes and Reinforcing Representation

Moreover, Parker’s leadership arrives at a crucial moment for women’s sports, which continues to see unprecedented growth, visibility, and investment. Her role includes spearheading networking, education, business-building, and mentorship initiatives designed specifically to amplify opportunities for women athletes within PAC’s 1,600-member, multi-sport community.

Furthermore, Parker will collaborate directly with PAC co-founders Chip Paucek and Kaleb Thornhill, leveraging her influence and real-world experience to dismantle long-standing barriers. Through industry-first programming and tailored support resources, PAC aims to reshape how women engage with and navigate career transitions, ultimately creating a level playing field that has historically been absent.

A Diverse Board of Trailblazers

With the addition of Parker, the PAC Board of Advisors now includes an impressive roster of athletes and industry innovators. From NFL champions Devin and Jason McCourty to leaders such as Ndamukong Suh, Terron Armstead, Jermon Bushrod, Bronson Kaufusi, Chrysa Chin, Kelly Mehrtens, Devon Kennard, and Julius Thomas, the diverse board blends athletic excellence with entrepreneurial vision. Significantly, Parker becomes the first woman to hold a leadership role on the board, marking a defining shift toward broader representation.

Beyond the Court: Leadership Rooted in Community and Advocacy

In addition to her storied basketball career, Parker has become a powerful force for change in the community. She is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, LGBTQIA+ rights, and youth sports accessibility, all of which align seamlessly with PAC’s commitment to holistic athlete support.

Since its founding in 2022, PAC has facilitated career development, educational opportunities, and business growth for more than 1,600 current and former athletes. Its membership spans elite competitors across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, MLS, and numerous Olympic sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and MMA. Consequently, Parker’s arrival strengthens a network already rooted in diversity, impact, and long-term transformation.

“We’re building something really special here,” said PAC Co-Founder and CEO Chip Paucek. “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.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Candace Parker’s appointment as Board Co-Chair represents far more than a symbolic leadership shift; it stands as a powerful step toward redefining athlete advocacy, representation, and career reinvention. With Parker helping guide the organization’s next chapter, PAC is better positioned than ever to unlock opportunities for athletes across all sports, ensuring they not only transition successfully beyond competition but also thrive long into the future.