Nike News: Caitlin Clark Only Below LeBron James and Kevin Durant in Earnings, Per Insider

Caitlin Clark, before stepping foot on a WNBA court, is already on her way to breaking more records. Since the WNBA draft, all the talk had been on the salary disparity between the NBA and the WNBA players. While there is a pay gap between the players, Clark is not relying only on her salary but has secured a big endorsement deal for herself. And it’s not just another endorsement deal but one of the largest contracts ever given to a rookie.

The number 1 draft pick reportedly has a 4-year contract of $338,056, which makes her rookie-year income $76,535. Moreover, the Iowa Hawkeyes icon reportedly signed an eight-figure deal with Nike. Shams Charania of The Athletic has now given more details about the deal between Nike and Caitlin Clark.

He said “.. I’m told it’s eight figures. I said it on running back. I’m not a math major. That’s $10 million at the least. I’m told it’s well beyond $10 million… I think it’s, it’s fair to say that it’s above $20 million..”

The NBA insider revealed that Under Armour and Adidas were also in running alongside Nike. Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry was part of the meeting for Under Armour via Facetime.

If the reported amount of $20 million is true, then Clark would only be behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant in terms of a sneaker deal. Of the current active players, only those two are ahead of Clark. Since Michael Jordan is retired, he is not part of the list. Curry has already established his with Under Armour.

Comparing Caitlin Clark vs LeBron James vs Kevin Durant Nike deals

LeBron James and Kevin Durant have signed lifetime deals with Nike. When King James made his debut in the NBA, he reportedly signed a contract with Nike worth $90 million in a seven-year deal. In 2015, he signed a historic lifetime contract with Nike worth approximately $1 billion.

Kevin Durant’s lifetime Nike Contract agreement created a stir in the sports world with a deal that is estimated to be worth $300 million. It was Under Armour who was ready to offer him upwards of $270 million. Since Nike had the right to match, they triggered the clause. In 2015, according to reports, Durant was earning close to $30 million per year from Nike. So the $20 million puts Caitlin Clark right behind the two basketball legends.

Since her Nike NIL deal ended after her collegiate career, there were rumors that Nike would not give up on Caitlin Clark. Even Clark wasn’t subtle about the reunion. She was seen wearing a Nike look at various events throughout the week. Apart from the obvious WNBA draft where she was seen in a Prada fit.

Caitlin Clark landing a $20 million-plus signature shoe deal with Nike should end all the questions about the Caitlin Clark effect.