How Did Caitlin Clark’s Jersey Number Make an Impact for Gatorade?

The Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark doesn’t slip away from making national news every now and then. While athletes her age are often dumbfounded by fame and are often in the spotlight for their chaotic life, Clark on the other hand only has excellence to deliver and reaches new milestones both on and off court. Recently she did the same when she stamped a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with an energy sports drink company.

Clark became the fourth college athlete to sign with Gatorade. Previously, Gatorade had signed the Penn State running back Nick Singleton and the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

A Flurry of Deals

For the record, Gatorade is owned by PepsiCo whereas Coca-Cola is the official NCAA sponsor since 2002. Gatorade would donate about $22,000 to ‘Caitlin Clark Foundation’ as a part of equity which many people link to Caitlin donning the number 22 jersey for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

This proves that Clark is not only a champion on the court but has influenced the major American college basketball fans with her attitude and personality such that companies approach her for signing NILs.

Clark also hinted that the brand in some way reflects her mentality of “giving back” and hence their motto matches with her. She also expressed her thankfulness in joining a list of elite athletes who have endorsed the brand since its inception.

“I’m honored to join such an iconic brand that has some of the most elite athletes in sport on their roster and can’t wait for what’s ahead,” Clark stated.

The Iowa-born also reflected on the fact that the energy drink helps athletes perform better on the field. 

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Meanwhile, Clark has dominated on the NCAA hardwood like none other. She recently became the first player to have at least 3000 points with 750 rebounds and the same number of assists.

Clark’s Growing Brand Value

Her on-court performances are not the only thing in her list of firsts. Clark had previously shown her splendor in the NIL deal race when she became the first college athlete to ink a deal with the insurance company, Statefarm.

Clark also has a deal with Nike that makes jerseys for the Hawkeyes. And her fans are often spotted donning one in her honor. Statefarm has also helped her become a home name since the 21-year-old can be seen in a lot of advertisements and has got a lot of air time.

With Clark endorsing these brands, they can be sure of getting the desired attention from the public and it will only pave the way for Clark to take on other significant brands as she builds an image and continues her champion performances in the NCAA.

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If Clark leads the Hawkeyes to another championship title or even if she wins the major Player of the Year awards, then it would almost double Clark’s NILs, increasing her reach.