Nike Facing Major Backlash for Controversial Caitlin Clark Decision

Indiana Fever rookie phenom Caitlin Clark is arguably the biggest star in professional sports right now.

She’s broken records for WNBA attendance, television ratings and merchandise sales, and one would think her biggest sponsor would want to capitalize on her rising star power.

But Nike, which signed Clark to an eight-year, $28 million endorsement deal, has done next to nothing to promote the WNBA Rookie of the Year since adding her to its impressive all-star roster.

Nike hasn’t produced one ad or commercial featuring Clark since she turned pro.

And despite a signature shoe deal being part of Nike’s agreement with Clark, it may not be released until 2026 according to sports business reporter Ethan Strauss , because Nike wants to prioritize A’ja Wilson and it fears the optics of giving a rookie a signature shoe before an already established star who just won league MVP.

After Strauss’ story broke, Nike was roasted on social media by several unruly fans unhappy with Clark being slighted because of another WNBA player, and the company was called out over it’s questionable decision not to market one of its top stars.

“So let me get this straight: 1. Nike signed Caitlin Clark to a big deal, but haven’t posted a congratulations post for winning ROTY. 2. WNBA haven’t posted the ROTY winner either. But, the ADIDAS ambassador did a whole post congratulating CC on her accomplishments. Smh,” one fan wrote .

“It seems odd that I haven’t seen any @Nike commercials with Caitlin Clark since turning professional & becoming Rookie of the Year. Seems like a MASSIVE MISS. And after paying her tens of millions of dollars she still doesn’t have a shoe anywhere in sight,” another commented .

“They know the @WNBA league hates Caitlin Clark. #Nike does not want to cause controversy. The WNBA is a hostile work environment for a straight White Catholic woman trying to play at the professional level,” a third remarked .

“Adidas celebrating Caitlin Clark's phenomenal rookie year while her endorser Nike stays mum to prevent hurt feelings (*cough*A'ja*cough*) is savvy business,” one user stated .

“@Nike Where are the Caitlin Clark sneakers, or the commercials or you even congratulating her on Rookie of the year. I’m sure she would be happy to sign with someone else,” another user asked .

With Nike looking to do some image repair after firing CEO John Donahoe on Sept. 19 and replacing him with Elliott Hill following the company stock price’s 20% drop earlier this year, perhaps the backlash it’s facing over the Clark situation is enough to get the wheels in motion on Clark being a more forward-facing part of the Nike brand.