Saturday, April 18, 2026

Caitlin Clark NIL Deal Grows Pro-Like Portfolio: Nike, Buick … Now Gatorade

  • Gatorade will donate $22,000 in Clark’s honor to the Caitlin Clark Foundation as part of the deal.
  • The Iowa star’s NIL portfolio has solidified Clark as one of the most marketable college athletes.
Caitlin Clark, one of the most marketable athletes in college sports, has inked a deal with Gatorade.
Gatorade

Over the past year, name, image, and likeness collectives have dominated the conversation around the fledgling industry. But some athletes are continuing to make headlines with brand deals worthy of the pros.

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark has signed a multi-year partnership with Gatorade, Front Office Sports has learned.

“This partnership is special because not only does Gatorade fuel the best athletes in the game, but they’re also committed to leading by example and giving back, which is what I strive to do every day,” Clark said in a statement. “I’m honored to join such an iconic brand that has some of the most elite athletes in sport on their roster and can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Gatorade said it would donate $22,000 in Clark’s honor to the Caitlin Clark Foundation as part of its Equity in Sport initiative. The superstar wears No. 22 on the hardwood.

The deal is the latest in an impressive NIL portfolio which helps solidify Clark as one of the most marketable players in all of college sports.

Clark is just one of four college athletes to have signed with Gatorade. UConn’s Paige Bueckers was the first; followed by Penn State running back Nick Singleton and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Her portfolio was already impressive. In October, she became the first NCAA athlete to sign with State Farm. She also has deals with major brands including Nike, Buick, Topps, and H&R Block.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Caitlin’s journey to greatness early in her career,” Gatorade Global Head of Sports Marketing Jeff Kearney said in a statement. “[We] look forward to building upon the incredible impact she’s already made.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
Mike Sherrill

New Jersey World Cup Games Will Have a $150 Train and $80 Bus

New Jersey officials have been adamant about not bearing transit costs.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 4, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Byeong Hun An in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

LIV Golf CEO: League Looking for New Investors

Scott O’Neil admitted LIV will need to raise money moving forward.

Grand Slam Track’s Contentious Bankruptcy Is Over. Now What?

With bankruptcy over, Grand Slam is cleared to try a comeback.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
April 15, 2026

Michaela Onyenwere Made $205K With UCLA Before WNBA Payday

Onyenwere spent the past season as a UCLA assistant.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws during the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025.
exclusive
April 15, 2026

Private Equity Burrows Deeper Into College Sports

Arctos had a previously unreported stake in Learfield, sources told FOS.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 14, 2026

Sherrone Moore Sentenced to 18 Months Probation

Moore was arrested in December on stalking and home invasion charges.
exclusive
April 14, 2026

Louisiana Tech to Pay Record Exit Fee to End 20-Game Schedule Mess

The school had been scheduled to play 20 games by CUSA and the Sun Belt.
April 9, 2026

NCAA Considers Five-Year Eligibility Rule, Ending Redshirts

The governing body looks at creating a broad, age-based standard.
April 8, 2026

UNC Makes Michael Malone Among College Basketball’s Richest

It will be his first college job since 2001.