Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson are used to the spotlight, but their latest $16 million project just got a major boost from an unexpected source: the Obama family. As details emerge, a sharp critique of Nike’s recent Super Bowl ad has sparked a heated debate about how women athletes are marketed—and whether brands are really doing enough to tell their stories the right way.

On The Ringer WNBA Show, hosts Seerat Sohi and Callie Fin didn’t hold back on Nike’s approach. “They showed Caitlin Clark, they showed A’ja Wilson,” Fin pointed out, acknowledging the ad’s attempt to highlight women athletes. But she had her reservations. She called the commercial “lazy” and “shallow,” comparing it to America Ferrera’s Barbie monologue. “It’s not fresh anymore,” she argued, saying Nike missed an opportunity to lean into the unique narratives of athletes like Clark and Wilson.

But why does the $16 million price tag matter? Nike’s Super Bowl ad—its first in 27 years—was a big statement. Featuring Clark, Wilson, Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, Jordan Chiles, Aryna Sabalenka, JuJu Watkins, and Sha’Carri Richardson, the minute-long commercial was narrated by rapper Doechii with a simple but bold message: “So win.” Lisa Leslie called it “literally the best commercial tonight.” The ad marked a shift for Nike under new CEO Elliott Hill, who wants to put the focus back on sports rather than just performance marketing.

The Obama family’s involvement adds another layer. One of Barack Obama’s daughters reportedly directed a commercial for Wilson, filmed in her hometown of South Carolina. That kind of personal storytelling—rooted in genuine moments—stands in contrast to Nike’s broader, more polished approach. For Clark, this project could be a game-changer, offering her the chance to define her story beyond basketball.

But this conversation isn’t just about one ad. It’s about how women athletes are marketed, period. Clark and Wilson, two of the biggest names in the WNBA, constantly walk a fine line—called out for speaking up and criticized for staying quiet. As Fin put it, “Caitlin Clark can’t win for losing.” But with the Obama family stepping in, there’s hope for something different—something deeper.

As the $16 million project, all eyes are on Nike and other brands. Will they move beyond the usual clichés and finally give Clark and Wilson the platform they deserve? For now, the ball’s in their court.

Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever Kobe 5 protro drops

The Indiana Fever guard, known for her Mamba Mentality, has been rocking Kobe Bryant’s Nike kicks since her college days. Now, her player-exclusive Nike Kobe 5 Protro in Indiana Fever colors are set to hit shelves, and fans are hyped.

Clark debuted the custom kicks during her playoff debut against the Connecticut Sun. The sneakers feature the Fever’s signature navy and orange, with a gradient design on the heels, tongues, and Swoosh logos. While player-exclusive colorways rarely make it to retail, Nike is making an exception for its rising star. According to sneaker news account @Allinlivee, the Kobe 5 Protro “Indiana Fever” is scheduled for a 2025 release.

Nike hasn’t dropped official details yet, but photos of Clark’s playoff shoes are circulating online. The Kobe 5 Protro is packed with performance tech, making it a favorite among ballers. For Clark, it’s more than just a shoe—it’s a statement. This isn’t Clark’s first big move with Nike. She starred in the brand’s “So Win” Super Bowl campaign and has been working on her first signature sneaker at Nike HQ. Her eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike is the largest ever for a women’s basketball player, and it’s clear the brand is all-in on her star power.

As Clark gears up for her sophomore WNBA season, her sneaker game continues to make headlines. Whether she’s dropping buckets or heat on her feet, Caitlin Clark is proving she’s here to win—on and off the court. Stay tuned for more updates on her historic sneaker journey.