The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is close to securing an eight-figure endorsement deal with Nike, which includes her own signature shoe.
With this deal, Clark will join the ranks of Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart as the only active WNBA players with their own signature sneakers.
Following the announcement, two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson hinted at her aspirations for a similar deal. She posted on social media, “Always remember what is delayed is not denied,” which many fans interpreted as a sign that she believes her opportunity for a signature shoe is on the horizon, given her status as one of the league’s top players.
However, Wilson’s comment also drew criticism from some fans who perceived it as jealousy towards Clark’s success. Reactions ranged from one fan chiding, “Hadda jump in, huh? The incoming players will lift y’all. Stop hating,” to another suggesting a hint of bitterness, “They didn’t offer her a shoe deal and now she’s quoting scripture…? Do the WNBA players themselves understand how much watching Caitlin Clark generated?” Another simply added, “Whatever happened to saying congratulations.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Wilson’s credentials as a two-time MVP and five-time All-Star underline her impact and dominance in the WNBA as one of the most formidable forwards in the league’s history.
The basketball community will have a chance to see Clark and Wilson in action together when the Fever face off against the Aces on May 25.
