The frustration surrounding Caitlin Clark‘s endorsement deal with Nike is beginning to boil over. Months after her record-breaking NCAA career and a blockbuster entry into the WNBA, Clark’s most loyal supporters are calling out the iconic sportswear brand for its perceived lack of promotion for the Indiana Fever star.
Much of the criticism resurfaced recently, when Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, took aim at Nike for failing to promote her long-anticipated return to Iowa in a preseason game.
McCaffery, who has been vocal in his support of Clark both on and off the court, appeared to echo a growing sentiment among fans: Nike is not doing enough.
Fans lash out, comparing Nike to Steph Curry’s branding
That frustration has only grown louder as other brands continue to amplify the visibility of their athletes. One particular moment that caught fans’ attention came when Steph Curry, under the Under Armour umbrella, held a training session with UConn star Azzi Fudd, who is signed to his SC30 label.
It was a high-profile, highly visible moment that left many Clark fans asking why she hasn’t received similar treatment from Nike.
“This is what Caitlin lost signing w/ Nike,” one fan wrote on X, as videos of Curry and Fudd went viral.
Another added: “When a company is signing all the stars, there’s no priority for the real star… sadly this is happening to CC.”
Clark inked an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike in April 2024. At $3.5 million annually, it’s a historic endorsement for a women’s basketball player, but some argue it’s still under market value, especially when compared to the visibility and support shown to male athletes or other emerging brands.
Despite Nike’s confirmation nearly a year ago that her signature shoe and logo were “in the works,” there’s been no clear release timeline. In a November 2024 episode of the “Diggin’ Deep” podcast, Clark’s agent Erin Kane said there was “no playbook” for deals like Clark’s, but still likened her to athletes such as Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, and Simone Biles – figures who became faces of Nike over the decades.
But with every passing month without a shoe, fans are growing more vocal about what they see as a missed opportunity. Clark has remained professional and focused on her WNBA season, but the lack of clarity around her signature line is causing some to wonder if Nike is truly prioritizing her global stardom.
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