Nike is poised to secure a deal with Caitlin Clark as the fiercely contested sweepstakes draws to a close, according to reports.
The Caitlin Clark shoe deal saga reportedly concluded on Sunday, with Nike emerging as the victor over competitors like Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma to secure the Indiana Fever rookie’s endorsement. According to The Wall Street Journal, Clark is set to sign an eight-year contract potentially worth up to $28 million. Nike initially signed Clark in 2022, before her standout performance in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and her record-breaking 2023-24 season, where she set all-time scoring records.
As per The Wall Street Journal, Clark’s current deal with Nike was set to expire in 2024, making her a free agent. Nike’s new offer reportedly includes an average salary of $3.5 million per year, surpassing her previous $3 million salary. Additionally, Nike sees Clark’s potential impact extending beyond U.S. women’s sports, anticipating her significant role in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia. The deal also includes a signature shoe for Clark.
Under Armour reportedly made a strong bid for Clark, with involvement from Stephen Curry in the pitch. The Athletic reported that Under Armour offered a four-year deal worth $16 million, coming closest to Nike’s offer.
