In the world of sports, seismic shifts are rare. But every so often, an athlete comes along who doesn’t just play the game—they change it. In 2024, Caitlin Clark became that athlete for women’s basketball. Her $10 million endorsement deal with Michael Jordan’s iconic brand didn’t just break records; it sent shockwaves through the WNBA, the sneaker world, and the hearts of her competitors—including fellow rookie and rival, Angel Reese.
This is the story of how Clark’s meteoric rise, and the public reaction to Angel Reese’s emotional response, ignited a firestorm of debate, jealousy, inspiration, and ultimately, transformation in women’s basketball.
The Deal That Shook the Game
Caitlin Clark’s name had been buzzing since her college days at Iowa, where her deep three-pointers and court vision made her a household name. But when news broke that she’d inked a $10 million deal with Jordan Brand—making her the first female basketball player since Michael Jordan himself to receive such an honor—the internet exploded.
This wasn’t just another endorsement. It was a statement. The deal included a signature line of sneakers and, perhaps most notably, her own line of Wilson basketballs—sleek white and gold, laser-etched with her career milestones. The first drop sold out in under 40 minutes, faster than any WNBA product in history. Fans lined up virtually and physically, treating each release like the launch of a new iPhone or a Travis Scott sneaker.
Clark’s influence was undeniable. She wasn’t just selling products; she was selling out arenas. WNBA games featuring Clark’s Indiana Fever drew an average of 1.18 million viewers—triple the league’s previous numbers. Suddenly, the WNBA was trending, and sponsors who’d once overlooked women’s basketball were clamoring for a piece of the action.
Angel Reese: The Other Rookie Star
But there was another story unfolding in the WNBA. Angel Reese, the charismatic and fiercely competitive star from LSU, had entered the league with her own fanfare. Her rivalry with Clark was already legendary, dating back to their epic NCAA battles. Reese, too, had endorsement deals and a massive social media following. She was seen as a trailblazer, unapologetically herself, and a role model for young Black girls everywhere.
Yet, as Clark’s star rose higher and higher, a new narrative took hold: Was Angel Reese being overshadowed? Clips circulated online of Reese’s raw, emotional reaction—caught live after Clark’s deal was announced. Fans dissected every frame: Was she jealous? Hurt? Angry? Or simply frustrated by the league’s sudden shift in attention?
The Power Move by Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand’s decision to sign Clark was more than savvy marketing. It was a calculated bet on the future of women’s basketball. Michael Jordan himself, who had remained silent on the women’s game for years, publicly endorsed Clark. He praised her as a “cultural powerhouse” and drew parallels between her influence and his own impact on the NBA in the 1980s.
Jordan’s words were more than just praise; they were a passing of the torch. “The WNBA owes Clark credit for what she’s doing for the sport,” he said, shattering the outdated notion that women’s basketball was somehow secondary. For the first time, the face of a major global sports brand was a woman—not just any woman, but a rookie rewriting the rules in real time.
The Fallout: Jealousy, Tension, and a League Transformed
As Clark smiled for the cameras and watched her products fly off shelves, not everyone in the WNBA was celebrating. Veteran players, many of whom had spent years fighting for respect and fair pay, watched as a newcomer received endorsements and attention they could only dream of. Some responded with cryptic social media posts. Others, including Angel Reese, struggled to hide their disappointment.
On the court, the tension was palpable. Clark faced aggressive defense, hard fouls, and, at times, open hostility. The league’s culture was shifting, and not everyone was ready for it. Critics accused Clark’s detractors of jealousy, while others argued that her rise simply exposed long-standing issues: pay inequality, poor marketing, and the WNBA’s struggle to connect with mainstream audiences.
Charles Barkley, never one to mince words, called out the negativity: “It’s time to stop hating and start appreciating.” He, like many, saw Clark’s success as an opportunity for the league—not a threat.
The Bigger Picture: A Turning Point for Women’s Sports
Clark’s $10 million deal was historic, but it also highlighted uncomfortable truths. Her WNBA salary was just $76,500, while her endorsement income exceeded $11 million in one year. The gap was staggering—a reminder of the league’s financial limitations and the power of individual star power.
But Clark wasn’t just cashing in for herself. Her presence led to better travel arrangements, more chartered flights, and a $200 million TV deal for the WNBA. She became the face of a movement, inspiring young girls and forcing the league to dream bigger.
For Angel Reese and other players, the challenge was clear: adapt, evolve, and find their own place in this new landscape. Reese’s emotional reaction was real, but it was also relatable. Who wouldn’t feel a sting seeing a rival receive the kind of recognition you’d worked your whole life for?
Michael Jordan’s Endorsement: A Game-Changer
The moment Michael Jordan publicly backed Clark, everything changed. He compared her influence to his own, noting that she was doing for the WNBA what he’d done for the NBA—driving ratings, selling merchandise, and making the game cool for a new generation.
Stats backed it up: Clark and Jordan are the only rookies in NBA or WNBA history to average at least 18 points, 8.5 assists, five rebounds, one block, and two steals per playoff game. She wasn’t just chasing his legacy; she was matching it, step for step.
The Road Ahead: Embracing the Shift
The WNBA stands at a crossroads. Clark’s rise has forced the league to confront its past and embrace a brighter, more lucrative future. But it’s not without growing pains. Veterans must decide whether to resent the change or ride the wave. The league must ensure that the spotlight Clark brings uplifts all players, not just one.
For Angel Reese, the story isn’t over. Her journey, marked by resilience and charisma, is still unfolding. The rivalry with Clark may be the spark that propels both to even greater heights.
In the end, Caitlin Clark’s $10 million Jordan deal isn’t just about sneakers or basketballs. It’s about changing the game—forever. And as the cameras roll, the world is watching, waiting to see who will rise next in this new era of women’s basketball.
