Caitlin Clark is one of the most loved athletes in America. She has the Midas touch. Whatever thing gets associated with her, records exponential revenue. The New York Liberty who were the runner-ups last season sold record-breaking ticket numbers worth $2 million in revenue, only because they were playing against Clark. Furthermore, all her games for the Indiana Fever were complete sellouts. The Indiana Fever had an average of 4,067 fans last year which has seen unprecedented change to almost 17,247 in the regular season home debut this year. And now Clark has touched the NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s shoes.

Clark wore Bryant’s  ‘Kobe 5 Protro’ in Bruce Lee which was a complete sell-out from Nike’s website. The surge in sales is attributed to fans going gaga over the shoes. She played in the black and yellow pair during the game against the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob Ultra Arena. Though the Fever lost the game and Clark recorded just 8 points, the liking for the sneakers was evident.

This certainly was a boost to Bryant’s empire since fans must have remembered his days on the court. The shoes were made as a remembrance of Bryant getting inspired and learning a lot from the martial arts legend Bruce Lee. It is said that Bryant adapted Lee’s hybrid martial arts philosophy to learn more about the concepts of adaptability and receptivity. Meanwhile, a fair share of the credits also go to Bryant’s wife Vanessa Bryant who chose to stay loyal to the $138 billion company.

Kobe’s Nike contract expired in November 2021. This was after a long term of 18 years. While initially there were differences when fans got their hands on ‘Mambacita’ shoes despite Vanessa’s disapproval, the problems were smoothed out as Lady Bryant inked a new deal with Nike in March 2022. This points to Vanessa’s loyalty in continuing Kobe’s legacy. Meanwhile, Clark had worn Kobe’s shoes during her maiden and only WNBA win against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Caitlin Clark gives a fitting tribute to Kobe Bryant

Clark after the game gave a tribute to Bryant, stating that “Kobe is the best, his shoes are best. I had them on tonight, so I mean I guess that’s just the mentality you have to have as a competitor,” as per Yardbarker.

Looks like Clark loved the shoes since she basketed 11 points in a 78-73 win against the Sparks. Apart from that she also contributed with 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Hence she was quite near her first triple-double for the WNBA.

Clark boosting Kobe’s Lee sales only points to her popularity and Clark has the power to continue his legacy as she battles out in the cash-rich league. 

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.