When you talk about the biggest names in sports right now, Caitlin Clark is on the shortlist. The Indiana Fever rookie broke countless WNBA records, won Rookie of the Year, got the Fever into the playoffs, and boosted WNBA ratings and merchandise sales to unprecedented levels. Did we miss anything? So explain to me then why Nike has done next to nothing since Clark left Iowa and turned pro?
After leaving the University of Iowa and declaring for the WNBA Draft, Nike signed Caitlin Clark to an 8-year, $28 million deal. Athlon Sports reports that despite that deal, Nike hasn’t produced a single commercial starring Clark since she landed with the Indiana Fever. But when she was breaking records with the Hawkeyes, it was a different story.
No commercial congratulating Clark on winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year? C’mon Nike, you’re better than this. And now, Athlon is reporting that Clark’s signature Nike shoe might be delayed until, get this, 2026! Nike apparently wants to prioritize WNBA MVP Aja Wilson and it fears what it would look like if it gave a rookie a signature shoe first.
Are you kidding me? I have to wait how long for a Caitlin Clark shoe? It’s no wonder that Nike has been struggling financially. Athlon reports that the company fired its CEO on September 19th after Nike stock fell 20% this year. YOU HAVE CAITLIN CLARK! Get her face and products out there and people will buy them! Can I be CEO?
Our Favorite Caitlin Clark Photos
Iowa’s nunber two scorer of all-time, after just three seasons, Caitlin Clark continues to build on her already legendary career.
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
At the Final FOur
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At the Final FOur
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a 77-73 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Flexing as Victory Nears
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Flexing as Victory Nears
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 24: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Climate Pledge Arena on March 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Celebrating
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Celebrating
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 23: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with her teammates after a 83-72 victory against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Jerome Schottenstein Center on January 23, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Celebrating the Game-Winning Shot Against Indiana
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Celebrating the Game-Winning Shot Against Indiana
IOWA CITY, IOWA- FEBRUARY 26: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after scoring a 3-pt basket at the buzzer to defeat the Indiana Hoosiers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, on February 26, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Regional Champions
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Regional Champions
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 26: Head coach Lisa Bluder and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes pose for a photo after defeating the Louisville Cardinals 97-83 in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Climate Pledge Arena on March 26, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
We Did It! at the Final Four
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We Did It! at the Final Four
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 77-73 during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Iowa Fans, Can You Get Louder?!
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Iowa Fans, Can You Get Louder?!
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 77-73 during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Red Carpet Treatment at the NCAA Championship
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Red Carpet Treatment at the NCAA Championship
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes walks into the stadium on the red carpet before playing against the LSU Lady Tigers during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on April 02, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
A 3 in Dallas
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A “3” in Dallas
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Exhorting on Iowa Fans on the West Coast
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Exhorting on Iowa Fans on the West Coast
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 26: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Louisville Cardinals in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Climate Pledge Arena on March 26, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
With Her Adoring Young Fans
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With Her Adoring Young Fans
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 15: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes interacts with fans after the match-up against the DePaul Blue Demons at Kinnick Stadium during the Crossover at Kinnick event on October 15, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
A Celebratory Wave
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A Celebratory Wave
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 77-73 during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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