Outrage Explodes: Angel Reese Calls for Nike Boycott Over $28M Caitlin Clark Deal

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball, WNBA star Angel Reese is calling for a boycott of Nike after the brand’s decision to sign Caitlin Clark to a historic $28 million endorsement deal. The fallout from this announcement has sparked intense debate, as Reese’s fans express frustration with the company’s decision to heavily promote Clark, with a large poster displayed in Chicago—a city that holds a special place in Reese’s fanbase. This public rivalry, which has been brewing for years, has now reached a boiling point.

A Controversial Endorsement Deal

Nike’s signing of Caitlin Clark, a standout guard with undeniable talent, has been widely celebrated. The $28 million contract is one of the most lucrative rookie shoe deals in the history of the WNBA. Clark, known for her flashy playstyle and media presence, has become one of the most marketable figures in women’s sports. Nike’s bold decision to place her in a prime location in Chicago only added fuel to the fire, particularly as it seemed to further alienate Reese’s supporters.

For Angel Reese, a rising star in her own right, the move by Nike felt like an oversight. Known for her dominant presence on the court and her outspoken personality, Reese has gained significant popularity on social media, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, despite her success, Reese’s fans believe she has been sidelined when it comes to major endorsement deals, especially in comparison to Clark.

Reese Speaks Out: A Call for Change

In the wake of the Nike campaign featuring Clark, Reese took to social media to express her outrage. “Y’all see what’s going on,” she wrote in a viral post. “They make it clear who they want to push. Keep that same energy when we stop supporting.” Her call for a boycott quickly gained traction, sparking widespread conversations about race, marketability, and gender in women’s sports. Reese’s supporters, often referred to as “Reese’s Pieces,” rallied behind her, with many voicing concerns about the disproportionate focus on white athletes like Clark, while Black female athletes are overlooked.

While some defended Nike’s decision, pointing to Clark’s remarkable achievements on the court and her ability to connect with fans, others questioned whether the company was perpetuating a history of bias in the marketing of women’s sports. This debate has brought to light the longstanding challenges Black female athletes face in securing endorsement deals, regardless of their talent or on-court success.

Nike’s Chicago Billboard Sparks Backlash

The backlash intensified when it was revealed that Nike had placed a massive billboard featuring Caitlin Clark in Chicago—just miles from the Wintrust Arena, home to Reese’s Chicago Sky team. The strategic placement of the billboard was seen by many as a direct challenge to Reese’s presence in the city and an unnecessary provocation. Reese’s supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure, calling it an “embarrassing” and “unnecessary” move by Nike.

One fan expressed their frustration on X, stating, “In Chicago… Trying to step on some toes in somebody else’s turf??” The rivalry between Clark and Reese, which began during the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship, has only intensified since then, and the billboard’s placement seemed to many like a calculated move to amplify the tension between the two superstars.

The Rivalry That Divides the WNBA

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have been at the center of one of the most exciting rivalries in women’s basketball, with their clashes on and off the court driving increased interest in the WNBA. Their rivalry reached a fever pitch during the 2023 NCAA championship, where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, and Reese mocked Clark by pointing to her ring finger to remind her who was leaving with the championship title.

Since then, the two have continued to drive the WNBA’s record-breaking growth. The league’s regular-season attendance surged by 48% in 2024, and ESPN’s viewership of WNBA games soared by 170%. A significant portion of this attention can be attributed to the star power of Clark and Reese, who have become the faces of the league. Last season, 31 WNBA games averaged over one million viewers, with 22 of those games involving either Clark or Reese.

Their rivalry continues to captivate fans, with their four matchups last year generating heated debate over controversial fouls and trash talk. As the 2024 WNBA season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating their next showdown when Reese’s Chicago Sky takes on Clark’s Indiana Fever on May 17.

The Bigger Picture: Race, Gender, and Marketability

The controversy surrounding Nike’s endorsement of Caitlin Clark highlights a much larger issue in women’s sports: the intersection of race, gender, and marketability. While Caitlin Clark’s skills on the court are undeniable, her massive appeal has led some to question whether her endorsement deals are influenced by factors beyond just her talent. As a white athlete with a strong media presence, Clark’s marketability aligns with certain biases that have historically benefitted athletes who fit a specific mold.

Angel Reese, on the other hand, represents a different demographic—a powerful Black woman who has proven herself as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball. Reese’s outspoken nature and unapologetic embrace of her identity have earned her legions of passionate fans, but many believe she deserves more recognition in the endorsement space.

Conclusion: A Divisive Moment for Nike and Women’s Sports

Nike’s decision to feature Caitlin Clark so prominently while ignoring Angel Reese has ignited a firestorm that extends far beyond basketball. The debate surrounding marketability, race, and gender in sports continues to evolve, and Reese’s call for a boycott is a powerful reminder of the inequalities that persist in the industry.

As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, it is clear that Reese and Clark will be at the forefront of the conversation. Their rivalry has become a driving force behind the league’s success, but it remains to be seen whether Nike will take action to address the concerns raised by Reese and her supporters. In the meantime, fans will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds, both on and off the court.