Nike is once again in the headlines, but this time not for the best reasons. Caitlin Clark, who was signed by Nike in April with a groundbreaking $28 million deal, has just won WNBA Rookie of the Year. But despite this huge achievement, Nike has been strangely quiet—no shout-out, no promotion, nothing.
Back in April, Nike made a big deal of signing Clark, with a post that read, “The end of the story is just the beginning of the legend” alongside a picture of her. Since then, there has been silence. Meanwhile, other athletes like A’ja Wilson are being prominently featured on Nike’s social media. Fans are frustrated and questioning why Nike, the giant of the sneaker world, is seemingly ignoring one of its brightest stars.
To add to the confusion, Nike has been promoting Diana Taurasi, a veteran player whom Clark outshone throughout the season. Fans are left wondering: why is Nike dropping the ball when it comes to Caitlin Clark?
Enter Adidas, the rival brand that signed Angel Reese. In a surprising twist, it was Adidas Global Ambassador Billie Jean King who stepped in to praise Clark on social media. King posted a glowing tribute to Clark’s accomplishments, leaving many to question whether Clark might consider switching brands. While it seems unlikely that Clark will leave Nike for Adidas, the lack of support from Nike has sparked speculation about what’s happening behind the scenes.
As of now, Nike remains silent, and Clark hasn’t commented either. No promotions, no new shoes, no acknowledgment of her Rookie of the Year award—fans are baffled by the company’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for the rising star.
In other WNBA news, Cheryl Reeve was named Coach of the Year, surprising many, as Christy Sides even received a vote despite Clark carrying her team all season. Clark is now preparing for a European tour, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for the young star.
Nike’s silence has left many wondering: will they step up and show support for Caitlin Clark, or is something else going on behind the scenes?
