Nike Faces Backlash From Caitlin Clark Fans After Angel Reese Announcement
Clark fans are demanding action from the shoe company following Reebok’s decision on her fellow rookie
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are two of the most marketable athletes in American sports. And as they both now prepare for their second seasons at the WNBA level, brands are taking advantage of their marketability with some big-time endorsement deals.
On Thursday, Reebok announced a multi-year contract extension with Reese — including a signature shoe set to release in 2026.
Before the 2024 WNBA season, Clark signed an eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike. Her historic deal also included the promise of a signature shoe, but that shoe release has yet to be announced.
Caitlin Clark fans have long criticized Nike’s perceived lack of action when it comes to capitalizing on the 2024 Rookie of the Year’s popularity.
This criticism reached new heights following Reebok’s Angel Reese announcement.
“How is Angel Reese getting a shoe before Caitlin Clark? I get it Reebok vs Nike, but still they need to fix this asap,” one fan wrote.
“Nike’s utter failure to capitalize on Caitlin Clark’s massive popularity this year is baffling,” another said.
“The year is 2032. Caitlin Clark has captured her sixth consecutive WNBA mvp and is working on a 5 peat with the Fever. Nike says a shoe prototype will drop in weeks,” another joked.
“When is Caitlin Clark getting her shoes? Nike slipping,” another added.
Clark delivered on her end of the bargain in Year 1, setting several WNBA records en route to her near-unanimous Rookie of the Year selection. The All-Star guard is the perfect brand ambassador, and she’ll look to continue that reputation in her second season with the Indiana Fever in 2025.