Caitlin Clark just did it.
Days after Clark was selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the hoops phenom is in line to sign an eight-figure endorsement deal with Nike, as first reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Clark also will receive a signature shoe with the brand under the deal, which is worth up to $28 million over eight years, The Wall Street Journal reported. Clark became one of the nation's most profitable NIL athletes during her career at Iowa, and this is likely the first of many more as she embarks on her WNBA career.
Here's more on Clark's deal and why it is likely a sign of more endorsements to come.
MORE: Don't be surprised if Caitlin Clark is a WNBA All-Star as a rookie
Caitlin Clark Nike deal
Clark's deal with Nike continues a relationship with the brand that began during her time at Iowa.
The Swoosh was one of Clark's multiple NIL deals, resulting in merchandise and advertisements honoring Clark's achievements on the hardwood. As Clark becomes a professional athlete, the NIL deal becomes a full-on endorsement deal — a lucrative one at that.
"I grew up watching Nike athletes across all sports play their game," Clark said of her partnership with Nike in 2022, adding that she was "humbled" to join the brand.
Clark's new Nike deal is reported to be worth $28 million over eight years, per the Wall Street Journal. She chose the Swoosh over Adidas and Stephen Curry's "Curry Brand" with Under Armour, according to Charania.
Clark's Nike deal guarantees that she will receive a signature shoe with the brand. Among other Nike athletes with their own signature shoe are Sabrina Ionescu, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, and Devin Booker.
That's elite company.
At her introductory press conference, Clark donned Ionescu's signature shoe while fans got their first glimpse at No. 22 in a Fever uniform.
Caitlin Clark debuts her new @IndianaFever uniform look with the Nike Sabrina 1s. pic.twitter.com/MgV5KVPUmr
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 17, 2024
Clark's marketability and popularity are evidenced by her No. 22 Fever jersey quickly selling out after the draft. With her Nike deal on the verge of becoming official, here's a look at other NIL deals that could soon become lucrative endorsements.
MORE: Here's how you can buy Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever jersey
Caitlin Clark NIL deals
Gatorade
Clark signed an NIL deal with the sports drink brand in December 2023. She described the opportunity as a "dream come true."
Buick
Buick added Caitlin Clark to the brand's "See Her Greatness" campaign ahead of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, along with a handful of other women's college basketball stars.
State Farm
State Farm is among Clark's more recent — and notable — NIL deals. She partnered with the insurance company in October 2023 and has appeared in several ads. Jake from State Farm was on hand at the 2024 WNBA Draft to support Clark.
Bose
Clark agreed to an NIL deal with Bose before the 2023 NCAA Tournament and was featured in an ad for wireless headphones.
Shoot-A-Way
Clark partnered with Shoot-A-Way, which produces basketball shooting machines, in late 2022.
Hy-Vee
One of Clark's earliest NIL deals came with midwestern grocery chain Hy-Vee. The company announced the partnership in late 2021, and Clark's work with the chain has continued into 2024.
Clark's custom cereal brand, Caitlin's Crunch Time, is available in Hy-Vee stores as of January.
H&R Block
Tax filing company H&R Block signed both Clark and South Carolina's Zia Cooke to endorsement deals in April 2022.
Panini America
As of April 1, Clark is an exclusive partner of Panini America for trading cards and autographed memorabilia, the first exclusive partnership with a female athlete in the company's history, per a release.
Goldman Sachs
In 2023, Clark and then-North Carolina standout Caleb Love partnered with Goldman Sachs to advocate for the modernization of the Small Business Administration.
The Vinyl Studio
The first of Clark's NIL deals, The Vinyl Studio is a woman-owned clothing company founded in Iowa, and the announcement of Clark's deal came with the production of custom shirts.
