Nike faces backlash over Caitlin Clark treatment since $28 million deal

Sportswear giants Nike are facing backlash after their lack of use of Caitlin Clark's image despite signing an agreement with the women's basketball superstar to the tune of $28 million.

The 22-year-old is arguably one of the most recognizable figures in sports currently as a result of her heroics in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever . Following on from a storied collegiate career at Iowa , the point guard set new standards in her maiden campaign as a professional - breaking 11 records in her first term.

Her performances saw her earn the coveted Rookie of the Year prize , with her star only continuing to rise to stratospheric levels in her first season with the Fever. Having been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft that year, she also penned a eight-year endorsement deal with Nike.

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However, since that agreement was struck with the Oregon-based firm, ad and commercial featuring the player's likeness and image have not been forthcoming to date. As part of her deal, she also is expected to eventually boast her own signature shoe produced by the brand - but this is not due until 2026.

Calling out the sports apparel company, one fan took to Twtter/X to protest, saying: "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.

Meanwhile, a second said: "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."

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Taking a controversial stance on the situation, a third enthusiast asserted: "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 fourth disgruntled fan also made mention of Nike's long-term competitors Adidas as they pondered the motivations for the company's supposed lack of movement. They said: "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.

Meanwhile, a final detractor called out Nike, adding: "@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."