Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Making Herstory: Caitlin Clark Acquires Record $28 Million Shoe Deal with Nike

Originally posted on The Forkball | By Jamie Malloy | Last updated 4/26/24

She’s done it again folks. Caitlin Clark is continuing to make “Herstory” in the WNBA.

The number-one pick in the 2024 WNBA draft is expected to acquire a record $28 million Shoe Deal with Nike.

Record $28 Million Shoe Deal

Clark is already making headlines by being in talks for a really good shoe deal with a brand that for years, athletes have trusted to help them off the court financially.

Nike is expected to sign Clark to a sponsorship worth a record $28 million shoe deal, that will continue for the next eight years. It also brings with her the opportunity for future bonuses.

The deal includes a signature shoe made for her when she finally debuts for the Indiana Fever in May. In other words, this is a big deal literally and figuratively.

What This Could Mean for Clark and Women’s Basketball

The 22-year-old rookie is already generating buzz for the league on the court. Her talent has brought more attention with her trickly passes, long 3-point shots, and team play. Ticket sales have also increased.

Off the court, Clark embraces Nike.

She previously signed an NIL deal with Nike back in 2022, when she was in college with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Her familiarity with the brand already considered her to be, “The Greatest Women’s College Basketball player”.

The question is, could it help her become the greatest WNBA player of all time, despite not playing a minute yet?

Other Star Appearances

While she’s a star on the basketball court watched by many fans, she’s also being watched by comedy lovers all around the country.

Clark made her debut by appearing on SNL’s Weekend Update by talking about the WNBA. The basketball star had a good time while she was dunking on host and comedian Michael Che.

Other Famous Brands

Besides Nike, Clark enters into the league previously working with companies like State Farm, Buick, Gatorade, Bose, etc. She joins Breanna Stewart (Puma), Elena Delle Donne, and Sabrina Ionescu (Nike) to have a sponsored shoe deal.

How Brand/Corporate Sponsorships Help Supplement Women’s Salaries

Let’s not sugarcoat it. The WNBA player salaries are much less than the players make in the NBA. We can all observe that with our own two eyes.

Some of these WNBA players are figuring it out. If they are good enough of a player to pick up a sponsorship deal worth way more than their regular annual salaries, why not do it?

Think about signing sponsorship deals as additional income and as a “side hustle” to playing the game.

If the money is there, take it!