Caitlin Clark, the most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, is reportedly set to sign a lucrative $28 million contract with Nike over eight years, which includes a signature shoe. This deal, reported by The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic, marks the richest sponsorship contract for a women's basketball player.
Clark's initial name, image, and likeness deal expired at the end of the 2023-24 season, leading to negotiations with Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and Puma. While Under Armour and Adidas offered $16 million and $6 million over four years, respectively, Puma withdrew after being informed that bidding would start at $3 million per year.
Clark, who earned about $3 million in NIL money at Iowa, has been a driving force in the surge of interest in women's basketball. Her impressive performances on the court, including leading the Hawkeyes to a national championship game and being drafted No. 1 by the Indiana Fever, have captivated audiences.
With 36 of the Fever's 40 games this season set to be nationally televised, Clark's marketability has soared. Her recent appearance on 'Saturday Night Live' further expanded her reach to a wider audience.
At just 22 years old, Clark's reported eight-year deal with Nike underscores the sportswear giant's commitment to her. With the potential to play well over a decade in the WNBA and represent the U.S. in multiple Olympics, Clark's star continues to rise in the world of women's basketball.
