Why Lady Vols legend Candace Parker believes Tennessee deal with Adidas is a win for UT

Tennessee athletics will switch from Nike to Adidas in 2026 as its official apparel supplier, marking a return to the brand that has a long-standing relationship with Lady Vols basketball legend Candace Parker.

The blockbuster 10-year deal will begin July 1, 2026. In addition to being the official footwear, uniform, apparel and sideline partner of UT Athletics, the deal will be focused on name, image and likeness benefits for athletes. Adidas previously served as Tennessee’s apparel provider from 1995 to 2014.

Parker was signed with Adidas for the entirety of her 16-year career in the WNBA. The Naperville, Illinois, native became the first woman to have a signature basketball shoe at Adidas when the Ace Commander was released in 2010.

Parker left Tennessee as one of the greatest players to suit up for the Lady Vols, and her No. 3 jersey was retired in 2014.

Parker helped facilitate the new deal between Adidas and Tennessee and will have a voice in the brand’s marketing strategy with her alma mater.

“Candace has been a great partner of ours, obviously, from her days at Tennessee. I hear from Candace a lot on the importance of the Volunteer nation and how it would be great if we were back to being partners,” Chris McGuire, Adidas Vice President of Sports Marketing, told Knox News. “Obviously, we use Candace quite a bit in the background to help facilitate some different ideas that we can bring to the university. So Candace, in her role as president of our women’s basketball, was able to share some great insights for us across all (Tennessee) sports.”