The young WNBA player Caitlin Clark continues to push the needle in the WNBA before her first professional game. She’s reportedly finalizing a multimillion-dollar shoe deal with Nike.
Details About The WNBA Player’s Shoe Deal
The Athletic’s Shams Charania first reported the groundbreaking deal. According to the report, Caitlin Clark will have her signature shoe. Clark is now in a rare class with fellow WNBA players Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart as one of the few women who can say they have a shoe deal.
The eight-figure deal will dwarf her current contract with the WNBA. Clark’s current contract with the league pays her $338,056 over the next four years. As a rookie, Clark will make a base salary of $76,535. Her contract is less than 1% of the $12 million that NBA rookie Victor Wembanyama’s contract. This fact has also reignited the wage negotiations throughout women’s sports.
Ice Cube’s $5 million proposal for Clark to play in his Big 3 league also sparked that conversation to newer levels. The details were revealed during the WNCAA’s March Madness tournament through TMZ on the X platform. Ice Cube told TMZ that Clark hasn’t responded about that offer since the news was revealed.
Reactions To The Shoe Deal On Social Media
Many people praised the Indiana Fever rookie for the shoe deal. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, tweeted on his X account, “Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all.” He also acknowledged that women should be paid more in the WNBA.
@iam_johnw pointed out that A’ja Wilson, a two-time MVP, five-time All-Star, and two-time WNBA champion, doesn’t have a shoe deal yet. This is a bit surprising, considering how well A’ja has played in the WNBA in her career. Jemele Hill of The Atlantic also pointed out how Wilson, who is also a best-selling author, doesn’t have this honor.
This is the most hype the WNBA has seen around an incoming rookie player. The hype isn’t exactly on the same level that the NBA had for LeBron James, but it’s close enough. This deal is a huge win for the WNBA regarding their marketing. The league has other GREAT players making their debuts this season: Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Cameron Brink.
This isn’t the first time that a player in the WNBA received a shoe deal. However, this won’t be the last time that it happens. With how women’s basketball has grown in the last four years regarding their popularity, it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a norm.
The WNBA is also launching a new team in San Franciso next season and the 2025 NBA All-Star game is in San Francisco to celebrate the team’s launch.
It’s safe to say that the WNBA will continue to grow in its popularity. It will continue to grow in its marketing. The competition will continue to grow. This incoming rookie class will push the league to new heights that it has never seen before.
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