Iowa star and WNBA No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark has inked a record-breaking eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike, securing the most lucrative shoe deal in women’s basketball history. The deal includes a signature shoe, marking Clark’s continued rise as a high-profile athlete in the sport.
Clark has been with Nike since 2022, when she was starting to hit the national mainstream with the Hawkeyes. Her name, image, and likeness deal expired at the end of the 2023-24 college season. Now with the Indiana Fever, Clark stuck with Nike over an offer from Under Armour that would have netted her more money per year, but on a shorter term. Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, an Under Armour athlete, was brought in to pitch Clark on joining the team. Adidas (four years, $6 million with a signature shoe) and Puma (which dropped out before making an initial offer) were also in consideration.
Clark, the all-time career scorer in college basketball history for both men and women, is expected to be a high-wattage star in the WNBA and has continued to ink endorsement deals with Xfinity, Panini, and Gainbridge since turning pro. This record-breaking Nike contract further solidifies Clark’s status as a cornerstone of the WNBA and a valuable asset for Nike.
