NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Caitlin Clark visits the Empire State Building on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark is reportedly making big money amid her transition from college basketballer to pro athlete in the WNBA. Her alleged Nike contract is partially responsible for her boost in profits.
According to multiple outlets, the sportswear giant has offered Caitlin Clark a contract worth $28 million. Their deal will reportedly last eight years and includes a signature shoe.
The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations between the sportswear giant and Clark’s agents.
If Caitlin Clark and Nike sign the $28 million contract, it will be the “richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player,” according to the AP.
Excel Sports Management, which represents Clark, and Nike did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment.
This wouldn’t be the WNBA player’s first rodeo with Nike. She signed her initial name, image, and likeness deal in 2022. However, it expired at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Clark’s agents were working on the new Nike contract even before she announced she would turn pro instead of returning to Iowa for a fifth season under the COVID-19 exemption offered to college players during the 2020 pandemic season.
Nike wasn’t the only sportswear brand interested in Caitlin. According to The Wall Street Journal and Athletic, Under Armour and Adidas also participated in contract discussions with Clark’s team in February.
Under Armour reportedly offered $16 million for four years, while Adidas offered $6 million for four years. Both brand contracts would’ve included a signature shoe. Puma was reportedly interested until they were told the bidding started at $3 million.
Associated Press reports that Clark earned about $3 million in NIL money at Iowa with deals she has had with State Farm, Gatorade and others.
In March, Ice Cube addressed reports that he had offered Clark a “historic” $5 million deal to join his Big3 League.
However, on April 15, Caitlin Clark officially entered her pro era when the Indiana Fever selected her as the first overall draft pick. She is set to earn a $76,000 salary during her rookie season.
Last week, social media went nuts when the signature Nike shoe rumors started swirling around Caitlin. Critics felt that A’ja Wilson, a Black WNBA player, deserved a signature shoe.
The only other women in the WNBA with such privilege are also reportedly white. On April 17, A’ja denied feeling any jealousy toward Caitlin Clark on X.
Associated Press staff contributed to this report.
