WNBA legend Tina Charles officially hung up her sneakers in May following a stellar 14-season career. But instead of taking a well-deserved vacation, the franchise's all-time scorer took on a surprisingly humble new title: front-office intern.
During a recent New York Liberty playoff game at Barclays Center, the arena jumbotron flashed her iconic stats and scoring records. Yet, Charles admitted she would have preferred a much simpler label.
From All-Time Scorer to Front-Office Intern
Since September, Charles has been working directly with New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke. The unique arrangement began with a simple phone call. While enrolling in a sports management master's program at her alma mater, the University of Connecticut, Charles reached out to ask about learning the business side of professional basketball.
For Clarke, bringing the franchise icon on board was an instant decision. Charles spends several days a week shadowing executive meetings covering marketing, operations, brand partnerships, and even the team's beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant. On Wednesdays, she makes the two-hour drive to Storrs, Connecticut, for her graduate classes.
Why the Transition Matters
While athletes often struggle with identity after retirement, Charles has embraced a diverse portfolio. Beyond her grueling academic and internship schedule, she continues to run her Hopey’s Heart foundation—which places automated external defibrillators in public spaces—and recently launched a craft beer company, 78 Brewing Co.
According to Clarke, having a freshly retired superstar in the boardroom provides invaluable player perspective that front offices rarely get to tap into early on. Charles herself admits the experience has completely shifted her perspective on what it takes to run a professional sports organization.
"When you’re in the front office, you have to plan ahead," Charles noted, contrasting the day-to-day focus of being an active player. "You have to be two, three months ahead of what your marketing plan is."
What's Next for Charles
Charles is also inspired by the leadership structure of the Liberty, highlighting the impact of working alongside Black women executives like Clarke, Chief Brand Officer Shana Stephenson, and Vice President of Business Operations Morgan Taylor.
While she envisions a long-term future working inside a WNBA front office, Charles is in no rush to lock down her final career path. Between broadcasting, running her entrepreneurial ventures, and soaking up executive knowledge in Brooklyn, she is enjoying the beauty of figuring out her next chapter one step at a time.
