Nike has launched a new advertisement featuring collegiate basketball star Caitlin Clark, highlighting her upcoming signature shoe set to debut in 2026. The campaign also includes surprise appearances by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, adding a unique crossover appeal to the promotion.
Clark, who had a challenging sophomore season with the Indiana Fever, played only 13 games due to injuries, including soft tissue issues and a bone bruise. Despite these setbacks, she remains optimistic about her future, particularly with her signature line of shoes on the horizon. Nike initially signed Clark to a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal prior to the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she was selected first overall.
In April 2024, Clark secured a landmark eight-year contract with Nike worth $28 million, averaging $3.5 million per year. This agreement is noted as the largest shoe deal for a female basketball player to date. The contract encompasses not only her signature shoe but also apparel collections and performance bonuses.
The newly released commercial promotes her upcoming CC Signature collection, featuring the tagline “From Anywhere.” Viewers see Clark making impressive shots in unconventional locations, engaging with fans who challenge her to shoot from various spots. The advertisement features a humorous segment with the Kelce brothers discussing Clark’s shooting skills on their podcast, “New Heights.”
“I’m incredibly proud to join some of the best athletes in the world,” Clark expressed regarding her partnership with Nike. “I’m excited to share a first look at what we’ve created together.”
Clark turned down substantial offers from Under Armour, which proposed a four-year deal worth $16 million, and Adidas, which offered $6 million over four years. The competition for her endorsement also included Puma, although they did not submit a formal bid after being informed of the starting price. Ultimately, Nike emerged as the clear winner, not only signing Clark but also influencing Steph Curry‘s departure from Under Armour, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
As Clark prepares for her third season in the WNBA, her fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to wear her signature shoes and apparel, which are set to hit the market in 2026. This partnership with Nike marks a significant milestone in her career and the evolution of women’s basketball marketing.
Clark’s rising star continues to shine brightly, and her collaboration with Nike exemplifies the increasing recognition and investment in female athletes within the sports industry. The world will be watching as she steps onto the court in her new collection next year.