Caitlin Clark, the standout basketball star selected with the No. 1 pick in the recent WNBA Draft, is set to make headlines again with a groundbreaking endorsement deal. According to The Athletic, Clark is on the verge of signing a $28 million contract with Nike, marking the most lucrative endorsement deal ever for a female basketball player.
This contract will also feature her own signature shoe, adding a significant milestone to her burgeoning career.
Clark, who previously held a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Nike during her college tenure at Iowa, had a contract that expired at the end of the 2023-24 season. This new deal underscores her rising prominence and market value.
The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic report that Clark had other suitors, including Adidas and Under Armour, who were keen to secure her endorsement. Under Armour made a notable offer of $16 million over four years, while Adidas proposed a $6 million, four-year contract, both including a signature shoe.
Puma, initially interested in signing Clark, withdrew from negotiations when it became clear that the bidding would start at $3 million annually.
- Clark’s anticipated contract with Nike not only surpasses these offers but also highlights her significant influence and marketability in women’s basketball.
As she embarks on her professional career, this deal with Nike cements her status as a key figure in sports endorsements and reflects her growing impact in the world of professional athletics.
