When Caitlin Clark signed the Nike deal in 2022, fans were expecting the brand to leverage her name just like they did to the NBA legend Michael Jordan. However, as Clark’s rookie season comes to an end, there look to be no particular endorsements or products that take the 22-year-old to another level. In fact, in the face of all the achievements and also the low phases, Nike has done nothing for Clark but kept silent. And it is this lack of acknowledgment that has helped a $6 billion company gain the spotlight among Fever fans.

Clark on Wednesday put out an Instagram post bidding goodbye to her rookie season. In three pictures, the #22 could be seen during various moments of her first year that caught the attention of fans. Clark thanked all her fans who have ardently supported her throughout the season and also expressed that she would now see them in season two. “Year one ✅ — thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life. See you all in year two 🖤💫.” While Nike did not comment anything, the limelight was taken by Wilson. Wilson took the opportunity to thank her for the incredible season. “Incredible season, Caitlin. We can’t wait to see what’s to come! 🔥🤝🫡,” Wilson stated.

Notably, the title ROTY itself speaks volumes about the wonderful season Caitlin Clark had. She became the highest assist maker in the W during a single season as she made 329. Next, she also recorded the most assists in a game (19). Additionally, she was the first rookie to score a triple-double and ended the regular season by recording one more. If that wasn’t enough, she had the most points by a W rookie. To top it all, she finished with the second-most three-pointers in a single season, next to Sabrina Ionescu. Hence, she was finally given the ROTY award and was also a contender for the MVP title. Her exceptional gameplay helped the Fever qualify for the playoffs, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2016.

However, when the Fever were ousted from Round 1 by the Connecticut Sun, Clark took to social media to pay her gratitude to her admirers. And Wilson seemed to capitalize on the opportunity. Clark signed a multi-year deal with Wilson in May this year. While Nike had set a W deal record by inking a $28 million agreement with Clark, they didn’t look to leverage her as an athlete. Instead, Wilson has time and again launched signature basketballs with Clark, which has made her the only baller after Jordan to get such treatment. And the $6 billion company, with their comment on her season farewell post, once again proved that they are quite proactive when it comes to Clark. Furthermore, it doesn’t help Nike much, as they were criticized recently by Rachel DeMita.

Nike receives flak from Rachel DeMita over Caitlin Clark

Since Nike signed Clark, there have been no major announcements. While Clark is expected to have her own shoes by 2026-27, Nike seems to be busy with taking this year’s MVP, A’ja Wilson, to new heights. This could hurt Clark since, at the time of the historic $28 million deal, even Under Armour was looking to sign Clark for $16 million for a period of 4 years. However, the Des Moines-born chose Nike as her preferred brand, which now, in retrospect, doesn’t look to be the best decision. And DeMita slammed the brand for the same.

“Her WNBA season has come and gone, and with that, Nike has not done one thing to promote her. We have not seen any commercials, we have not seen any ads, we have not seen any Caitlin Clark merchandise, and we, for sure as he, have not seen any Caitlyn Clark signature shoes. It is mind-blowing!” DeMita enunciated before expressing, “By a year-by-year basis, she would actually be making more per year.”

Hopefully, Nike will take lessons from the recent developments and make sure to market Clark’s image as a high-profile athlete. And perhaps before she makes a comeback next season, she would have already won hearts, if not with her shoes, then with her merchandise.