Nike CEO speaks out amidst criticism of their handling of Caitlin Clark

Nike won out over other shoe brands to lock Caitlin Clark into a long-term partnership, but the fruits of that relationship have not really been tangible so far.

Nike has been criticized for a curious product development timeline featuring Clark, but CEO Elliott Hill told Fortune in January 2025 that there is movement. "We're working on her signature shoe that will launch, and we're working on her logo and that design."

Much has been made of WNBA players' stunningly low salaries. As a result, the endorsement deals they sign with shoe companies take on much greater importance. Clark's trajectory in this realm seems to be trending more slowly than one of her main rivals.

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At the end of October 2024, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese signed a new multi-year contract with Reebok, including a signature shoe release in 2026.

According to ESPN, Jide Osifeso, Reebok's head of basketball, said: "Reebok and Angel are growing together every day, and our visions for the future are aligned; we're excited to continue the relationship with a ground-up build of her signature silhouette."

The Chicago Sky star is the sixth active player to sign a signature shoe deal in the WNBA, joining Breanna Stewart (Puma), Sabrina Ionescu (Nike), A'ja Wilson (Nike), Sydney Colson (Creative Control), and Caitlin Clark (Nike).

Reese finished second to Caitlin Clark in the Rookie of the Year voting. The pair has had a competitive rivalry since college, extending off the court to sponsorship deals.

In an episode of 'Unapologetically Angel' featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Reese made a subtle dig at Caitlin Clark's situation at Nike and the lack of respect the brand has given her.

Reese said on her podcast: "It has been the best decision for me, being able to have my own control over everything."

"Of course, I could have easily gone to Nike... I even look at other athletes on the women's side, and they sign with brands, but they still don't respect them."

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Legendary sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro thought Caitlin Clark's representation did a lackluster job negotiating with Nike. He told TMZ, "I'm saying to you, they messed up. They should have held on to the last drop."

Vaccaro also criticized his former employer, saying that Nike didn't realize just show special Clark is: "She should have got a piece of everything, just like Michael Jordan."

Clark signed an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike in 2024, but news and brand advertisements have not been seen since then.

The Rookie of the Year has worn Nike Kobe's throughout the season, but it is not a signature shoe she agreed to when she signed the deal. Is Nike using Clark's popularity to sell old sneakers rather than her own?

From a marketing sense, everything Clark has touched has turned to gold. After the Indiana Fever drafted her, her new jersey sold out to fanatics within an hour.

Nike has signed an excellent roster of WNBA talent, with players such as MVP A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu already in the ranks. These pairs have been battling in the pros for years, so are they prioritising those players over Clark?

Whatever the mysterious situation with Nike and Caitlin Clark, Reese seems to have a point that their athletes seem disrespected more than fellow WNBA stars with other brands.

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