Adidas and Dick’s Sporting Goods are teaming up to release a performance footwear and apparel collection celebrating the former’s long-time partner, WNBA icon Candace Parker.
Though a week remains before the Candace Parker Collection hits shelves, Adidas offered an early look Thursday at a Chicago event celebrating the two-time MVP Award-winner’s legacy. Among those attending was Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who this week signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 16 “Candace Parker Day.” Though long associated with the Los Angeles Sparks, the Chicago-raised basketball star signed with her hometown team, the Sky, earlier this year.
Adidas’ Candace Parker Collection introduces a custom riff on Adidas’ Exhibit A basketball shoe. Dubbed the Exhibit (A)ce—a play on Parker’s Ace nickname—the silhouette is designed for responsive movement and “ultimate” versatility, Adidas said. The sneaker will come in three unique colorways, each inspired by key chapters from Parker’s life.
“I’m beyond excited to launch the Candace Parker Collection with my long-time partner, Adidas,” Parker said in a statement. “This collection represents so many important moments in my career and our hope is that it will reach and inspire the next generation of passionate athletes.”
The Candace Parker Collection will drop Sept. 23, in stores and online, at Adidas and the line’s exclusive retail partner, Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Parker’s Exhibit (A)ce will not be the first new Adidas basketball sneaker to drop this month. Last week, the company released a new design from Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz inspired by the classic ‘90s show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The D.O.N. Issue #3: Prep School features an inside-out paisley upper designed to echo the lining of the iconic private-school uniform that Will Smith’s eponymously named character sported on the hit television series.