Caitlin Clark is known for her electrifying presence on the basketball court and her easygoing, fun-loving personality off it. However, her fiercely loyal fanbase is making waves, demanding that Nike step up and deliver on its promises to the basketball star—especially as her rivals seem to be stealing the spotlight. Recently, fans took their frustrations to a new level by launching a petition to express their dissatisfaction with how Nike has handled Clark’s much-anticipated signature shoe.
The petition’s message is clear: fans want Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe, and they want it now. One tweet that sparked the movement reads, “If you are not happy in any way about how Nike has been treating Caitlin Clark with her signature shoe rollout, or should I say lack thereof, or Nike’s horrible treatment of Caitlin Clark in general, please sign and share this petition. We see you @Nike.”
According to the petition, Clark’s supporters are outraged at Nike’s lack of effort in promoting her, calling it a missed opportunity for one of the “most marketable female athletes on the planet.” Despite a record-breaking career trajectory and a fanbase eager to support her, there’s been little news about her signature shoe. Fans feel this is a snub, especially considering Clark’s star power.
Clark’s relationship with Nike began during her college years, when she signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal in 2022. That contract expired at the end of the 2023-24 season, setting the stage for a new partnership. This time, Nike secured her with an eight-year, $28 million deal, making it the richest sponsorship for a female basketball player at the time. Major brands like Under Armour and Adidas had reportedly offered similar multi-million-dollar deals, but Clark ultimately chose Nike.
Following her WNBA debut, Clark led the Indiana Fever to the playoffs and earned the Rookie of the Year title, solidifying her status as a generational talent. Yet, despite the fanfare and a promise of a signature shoe, Nike has yet to deliver. While they did release a T-shirt featuring her records, fans dismissed it as “mediocre,” pointing out the significant contribution Clark’s jersey sales made to a 500% increase in WNBA merchandise sales this season.
The tipping point for fans came after Reebok’s major announcement regarding another rising WNBA star, Angel Reese.
Angel Reese’s signature shoe announcement fuels fan outrage
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have long been seen as young faces of the WNBA, with a rivalry dating back to their college days. Recently, Reese extended her contract with Reebok and shared exciting news: she’s getting her own signature shoe, slated for release by 2026.
Reese revealed the announcement during her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, saying, “I’m extremely excited to let you guys know that we are officially coming out with a Reebok by Angel signature shoe!” She also confirmed that the design process was already underway.
Reese’s partnership with Reebok has proven successful. As the brand’s first major NIL signing under Shaquille O’Neal’s leadership, she launched her collaborative footwear collection, Reebok by Angel, in August 2024. Her first performance basketball sneaker, the Reebok Engine A, even debuted on the court in a matchup against Clark’s Indiana Fever.
With Reese’s signature shoe setting a new standard, fans are now demanding that Nike live up to its promises for Clark. The rivalry between the two players’ fanbases only intensifies the pressure. As Reese celebrates her latest milestone, all eyes are on Nike to see when they will finally give Caitlin Clark the spotlight she deserves.
