Saturday, April 18, 2026

Caitlin Clark ‘Nearing’ $20 Million-Plus Nike Deal

  • Under Armour and Adidas reportedly also recruited Clark.
  • The Indiana Fever rookie is piling up blue-chip endorsements.
Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY NETWORK

Caitlin Clark is sticking with the Swoosh. 

Days after being taken first overall by the Indiana Fever in Monday’s WNBA draft, Clark is expected to sign an “eight-figure” endorsement deal with Nike and get her own signature shoe, according to The Athletic

Clark had an NIL deal with Nike as a college player at Iowa, but it concluded at the end of the Hawkeyes’ season, allowing her to hit the market at the height of her popularity. She had a similar situation with Fanatics, but decided to flip to Panini ahead of her pro career starting

On Thursday, reporter Shams Charania said that “it’s fair to say that it’s above $20 million.” The duration of the deal is unknown.

Fellow shoe powers Adidas and Under Armour also pursued Clark, The Athletic reported, with Warriors star Stephen Curry sitting in Clark’s pitch meeting. The two players have been compared to each other because of their long-range three-point shooting. Curry is Under Armour’s key athlete in its basketball division. South Carolina freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley recently signed a multi-year NIL deal with Under Armour’s Curry Brand. South Carolina beat Iowa in the national championship game on April 7. 

Clark set numerous records at Iowa while breaking and then re-breaking television ratings while selling out arenas nationwide. Monday’s draft was the league’s most-watched event in 20 years, drawing 2.5 million viewers. Her arrival comes at a time when the league is trying to expand and double its current media rights deal

Editors’ note, Apr. 18, 2:06 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to reflect reports that Clark’s deal will be worth more than $20 million.

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

Liberty Stars Are Taking Major Pay Cuts to Chase a WNBA Title

The new CBA makes it harder for teams to sign multiple max players.

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.

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.

French Open Will Allow Wearables Like Whoop on ‘Trial Basis’

The trial will extend to the US Open and Wimbledon.
Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) throws to first against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park.
April 14, 2026

Alec Bohm’s Family Feud Heats Up As Parents Push Back

The third baseman claims his parents took advantage of him.
April 15, 2026

Sophia Wilson on Returning to Soccer With a Million-Dollar Deal

Wilson became the NWSL’s first million-dollar player this offseason.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Jan 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to shoot a jump shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Chase Center.
April 14, 2026

Steph Curry Auctions 75 Pairs of Shoes As Sneaker Free Agency Looms

Sneakers Curry wore to a 2010 game are going for more than $50,000.
April 14, 2026

Valkyries GM Avoids Questions After Draft Trade: ‘I’m Exhausted’

Golden State traded Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle for two second-rounders.
April 13, 2026

Azzi Fudd Gets $500K Salary As WNBA No. 1 Pick

The new CBA sets a $500,000 salary for the first pick.
April 13, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz Cracks Top 4 in Career Earnings Despite Loss

Jannik Sinner reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking.