Adidas Global Ambassador Billie Jean King is generating buzz online for her support of Caitlin Clark, and the sports community is abuzz with reactions. However, questions loom over Nike’s silence, especially given their recent partnership with Clark.

In April, Nike made headlines by signing Caitlin Clark to a groundbreaking $28 million deal—the largest endorsement contract for a female athlete to date. The announcement was met with widespread acclaim, signaling a commitment to elevating women in sports. However, since Clark’s remarkable achievement of being named the WNBA Rookie of the Year, Nike’s support has seemingly evaporated.

The only acknowledgment from Nike following Clark’s accolade was a single post made in April, which read, “The end of the story is just the beginning of the legend,” accompanied by a photo of the young athlete. Since then, fans and critics alike have noticed a conspicuous absence of promotion or congratulatory messages from the brand. In contrast, other athletes like A’ja Wilson have been featured prominently on Nike’s social media channels, leaving many to wonder why Clark, a newly minted star, has been overlooked.

This lack of support has frustrated many of Clark’s fans, who feel that Nike, a leader in the athletic shoe and apparel industry, is dropping the ball with one of the sport’s brightest emerging stars. Adding to the perplexity, Nike has been spotlighting Diana Taurasi, a player Clark notably outperformed during the season. Observers are left questioning the brand’s strategy and commitment to its high-profile athlete.

On the other hand, Adidas is making headlines for its continued support of Angel Reese, another rising star in women’s basketball. However, it’s King’s unexpected shoutout to Caitlin Clark that has truly caught attention. King took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly congratulate Clark on her achievements, listing her remarkable milestones from the past season. The gesture sparked conversation among fans and industry insiders alike, with some speculating whether Clark might consider a switch to Adidas, despite the unlikelihood of such a move.

The contrasting support from Adidas and Nike has raised eyebrows. As Caitlin Clark remains silent amid the controversy—without any promotional campaigns or merchandise being launched—questions about Nike’s approach loom large. It’s startling that a brand of Nike’s magnitude would seemingly overlook a talent like Clark, who has garnered significant media attention and public admiration.

In other WNBA news, Cheryl Reeve was recently awarded Coach of the Year, a decision that took some by surprise, especially considering Caitlin Clark’s critical role in driving her team’s success. Interestingly, Christy Sides received a vote, a choice that baffled many given Clark’s standout performances this season.

Looking ahead, Caitlin Clark has plans to head to Europe for the offseason, creating even more excitement and anticipation among her fans. Will she continue to shine on international courts? The conversation around her potential future moves remains active, and fans are eager to see what lies ahead for this phenomenal athlete.

What do you think about Nike’s silence regarding Caitlin Clark? Are you excited about her upcoming endeavors in Europe?