Caitlin Clark’s Subtle Nod to $5 Billion Brand Deal Would Make Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic Proud

Indiana Fever’s guard Caitlin Clark has always been media attention due to her on-court excellence. The WNBA star’s athletic prowess has been eyed by leading sports drink brand Gatorade, who had even signed an NIL deal with Clark when she was at the University of Iowa. Recently, after Indiana Fever’s win over Atlanta Dream, Clark aptly responded to the brand’s collaboration with her by casually placing its logo in front of the media during the post-match presser.

When Clark was asked about how she was so effective against the Dream, Clark casually drank her Gatorade drink and put the logo ahead for the media once again as she answered the reporters. Notably, the collaboration between Clark and Gatorade started back in December. Interestingly, Clark’s actions resonate with bigwigs from NBA like Luka Doncic and Michael Jordan who have a great ability to promote a brand or a product casually with their fans.

With a brand worth of $5 Billion, Gatorade also has a history of signing Doncic and Jordan. Last month, the brand signed partnership with the Mavericks player Doncic. Apart from them Jayson Tatum, Karl Anthony Towns, Zion Williamson, Damian Lillard, and Jaden Ivey were the names who have adorned the sponsorship roster of Gatorade in the past. The association of basketball players like Clark with the brands like Gatorade is not a new thing. However, the revolution in the marketing was brought up by Michael Jordan.

The Art of Sports Marketing Ft. Michael Jordan Inspired Caitlin Clark?

Michael Jordan was a pioneer who revolutionized the idea of sports marketing by associating athlete’s name with the brand, not a brand name with the athletes. His deal with Nike for Jordan shoes changed the game of whole industry signing the players. Athlete changed the way they used to endorse the brands and how they further started marketing the sportswear. The brand deals were not just about the marketing anymore. They were about the products who used to represent the style of that particular athlete.

It was not just the basketball world where Jordan was representing his deal with Nike. The Air Jordan was representative of Jordan’s multi-faceted personality that got reflected in every new version of the Jordan added with Nike’s cutting-edge shoe design. Moreover, Luka Doncic has been a great lover of Jordan shoes, knowing the Mavs player does not leave a chance to flaunt his sneaker obsession.

Caitlin Clark eventually following the path of Doncic and Jordan, seems to be great endorser and promoter of brands from starting days. With a big brand like Gatorade, it would be much easier for Clark to handle the bigger deals awaiting for them in the future. Having endorsement deals with State Farm, Gatorade, Panini, and others, Clark is reportedly valued at $3 million. Furthermore, she is set to sign an alleged $28 million deal with Nike in an 8-year contract; which is said to include her signature line.

What will be your dream list of brands that Clark might endorse if the WNBA player achieves miles in her career in the future?