Caitlin Clark’s Nike Ties End as Iowa Star Heads to WNBA Draft as Free Agent

“Humbling” was the word Caitlin Clark used to describe her Nike NIL deal in 2022. The Iowa Hawkeyes sensation will be moving to the WNBA later this month when the Draft takes place on April 16th. But looks like Nike will no longer sponsor her as NIL ends at college. While we do not know the whys and whats of the entire contract, we do know how loud a noise the two made together through Clark’s collegiate basketball career in the last two seasons.

ESPN Boardroom’s Nick DePaula shared his views in his newsletter. He wrote, “Personally, I can’t imagine that Nike won’t land Caitlin Clark, but ‘lock’ has always been a hard word for me to use in the sneaker industry.” He also mentioned that Nike has “activated” around Clark throughout her senior season. Nike has showcased the stellar guard in their Tech Fleece apparel campaign through the March Madness tourney.

There was no doubt that Nike wanted to try the waters when it was at the highest current. They signed Clark in 2022. This was her junior year and she had just embarked on her journey to become the greatest hooper in college. Other young athletes that Nike reached out to were Bronny James, JuJu Watkins, Haley Jones, and DJ Wagner. However, even though Nike is not behind her now, the sports athleisure mogul did celebrate her in multiple unique ways. Iowa’s No. 22 reciprocated.

“This was never a long shot” to Caitlin Clark wearing Kobe Protros

Nike has always been a creative force. However, what they did with Caitlin Clark at their helm was quite enticing. Remember their official TV timeout campaign on March 3, 2024? People clammed up to comment on the timing that Clark and Nike had. Just before the ad-break, Iowa’s legend had broken Pete Maravich’s long-standing record to become the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. Obviously, it was with her signature Logo-3 shot. Nike did not waste a second to bring out the “This was never a long shot.” The campaign was truly a gigantic hit.

Before this, they had many others in line as well. Some of the popular ones are, “You break it, you 0wn it; The basketball conversation in Iowa started and ended with Caitlin Clark; and Caitlin Clark does things very few athletes can do.” From banners around Iowa City to taking social platforms by storm, Clark thrived further with Nike.

However, she, too, returned the favor. In fact, apart from her requirement to wear Nike through her senior year, the generational talent chose some specific ones for her important achievements. Fans saw her wear the Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘Playoff Pack – Del Sol’ when she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. She has always favored the Kobe Protro line and has boasted the Grinch, the Reverse Grinch, and Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee.” Moreover, Clark surprised her Hawkeye team on her birthday this January by gifting them Kyler Murray x Nike.

Looks like the fairytale only lasted for these two years as now they go their separate ways. However, it will not be news if Nike and Clark form an alliance again as she tries to reign in the WNBA world as well. But until then, what are your thoughts on this decision?

Read More- Caitlin Clark and Zach Edey – Tale of 2 Championship Games and 2 Historic NCAA Seasons Ending in Dismay