WNBA legend Candace Parker is opening doors for the next generation of sports media talent.
Parker has partnered with EICOP, the organization behind HBCU in LA, to launch the Candace Parker Sports and Media Fellowship, a new initiative built to create pipelines for HBCU students entering the sports media industry.
The fellowship will provide paid summer internships, housing assistance and direct industry mentorship across several major media markets. The announcement was shared by Lighthouse Athletes on Instagram, citing HBCU in LA and Parker as sources.
From court to microphone
Parker knows both sides of the sports world. A two-time WNBA MVP and three-time WNBA champion, she built a Hall of Fame-caliber career on the court before moving into broadcasting, where she has become one of the most respected voices in basketball media.
In a video announcing the program, Parker explained why the fellowship matters to her.
“I’ve spent my whole career in sports, first on the court and now behind the mic, and I know what it means when someone opens the door for you,” Parker said. “That’s why I’m proud to announce the Candace Parker Foundation is partnering with EICOP to launch the Candace Parker Sports Media Fellowship.”
What the fellowship offers
The program is aimed at current HBCU students who want careers in sports, media or broadcasting. Selected fellows will spend next summer in paid internships in Los Angeles, New York or Atlanta, three of the country’s biggest media markets.
Beyond the internships, the fellowship includes housing, mentorship, professional development and access to industry professionals.
That combination tackles some of the biggest barriers students face when trying to break into the business: the cost of living in an expensive city, the lack of connections and the challenge of getting a first opportunity.
“If you’re a current HBCU student who wants a career in sports or media broadcasting, this is for you,” Parker said. “You’ll also get housing, mentorship from people who’ve been where you’re trying to go, professional development and access to industry professionals. And I’ll be right there with you.”
Building pipeline for HBCU talent
EICOP, the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program, works to connect HBCU students with careers in entertainment and media through its HBCU in LA initiative.
Partnering with Parker brings a new focus on sports media, an industry where representation behind the camera and in the newsroom still has room to grow.
Paid internships are especially important. Unpaid roles have long shut out talented students who cannot afford to work for free, particularly in high-cost cities.
By pairing paid positions with housing support, the fellowship gives HBCU students a real path into the industry rather than just a foot in the door.
Why it matters
Parker’s involvement gives the program instant credibility. Few people understand the journey from athlete to broadcaster better than she does, and her promise to be “right there” with the fellows signals that this is more than a name on a press release.
For HBCU students, the fellowship offers something that is hard to find: a structured, paid opportunity in a major market, backed by mentors who have already done the work. For the sports media industry, it is a chance to add new voices and perspectives that reflect the fans it serves.