Caitlin Clark is Nearing an 8-Figure Signature Sneaker Deal With Nike
Caitlin Clark is reportedly close to signing a historic signature sneaker deal with Nike.
On Wednesday, the basketball world got their first look at Caitlin Clark in an Indiana Fever uniform. The top selection of the 2024 WNBA Draft met with the media, participated in a photo shoot, and laced up a new pair of New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu's signature Nike sneakers.
However, Clark could soon be wearing her own basketball shoes on and off the court. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Clark is close to signing a historic eight-figure signature sneaker deal with Nike.
Per Charania's reporting, adidas and Under Armour also made sizable offers during their pitches to Clark. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry even participated in the meeting on behalf of Under Armour and Curry Brand.
While the contract is not yet official, there was never any doubt that Clark would earn a signature sneaker deal. Not only did she break the NCAA all-time career scoring record and elevate women's basketball to new heights, but she became a sneaker icon during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Throughout her collegiate career, Clark wore a rotation of retro sneakers from Kobe Bryant's signature line. If today's Media Day photos were any indication, it appears that Clark will wear the Nike Sabrina 1 during her WNBA rookie season.
Nike launched Ionescu's first signature sneaker during her fourth season in the WNBA. It is highly unlikely that Clark has to wait that long for her signature line to launch. Her popularity is unmatched, and her marketability is transcending the sport.
Clark already has endorsement deals with Gatorade, State Farm, and Panini. She appeared on "Saturday Night Live" last weekend before playing an integral role in the WNBA Draft's highest television ratings ever.
It is guaranteed to be an exciting WNBA season, and we will have all your footwear news from the entire sports world. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's FanNation Kicks for all your most important sneaker news from the sports world and beyond.
Further Reading: The five biggest sneaker storylines from the 2024 WNBA Draft.