Caitlin Clark, the standout WNBA star from the Indiana Fever, made a significant impact on the league during the 2024 season, not just with her performance but also through her endorsement deals. Her impressive rise in popularity translated into financial success, with a major portion of her earnings coming from brand partnerships. According to Sportico’s list of the highest-paid female athletes for 2024, Clark earned a total of $11.1 million over the past year, making her the only basketball player featured.
While Clark’s WNBA salary was a modest $100,000, the bulk of her income—approximately $11 million—came from endorsements. Nike, in particular, played a pivotal role in her financial success. In April 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that Clark signed an endorsement deal with the brand worth up to $28 million over eight years. Nike outbid several competitors, including Puma, Adidas, and Under Armour, to secure Clark’s endorsement, with the agreement also including the promise of a future signature shoe.
Clark’s relationship with Nike began earlier, in 2022, when she signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the brand. During her time at Iowa, she was often seen sporting various models from Nike’s iconic Kobe Bryant line, including the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch.” Now, as a professional, Clark continues to generate buzz with her on-court footwear, regularly wearing player editions and special colorways. In July 2024, she even debuted a Nike Kobe 5 Protro with black and gold hues that honored her alma mater, the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Beyond footwear, Nike has also shown support for Clark through apparel, including a T-shirt released in October to commemorate her Rookie of the Year award. The shirt highlighted her historic achievements, such as setting records for the most points and assists by a rookie in a season.
Aside from Nike, Clark secured several other lucrative endorsement deals in 2024 with major brands like Wilson Sporting Goods, Gatorade, and State Farm, further cementing her status as a rising star. Her increased visibility also helped boost WNBA viewership, with ESPN reporting record-breaking numbers. The full WNBA season, including the playoffs and finals, averaged 1.2 million viewers, with the most-watched regular season game drawing 2.3 million viewers.
Clark’s success both on and off the court highlights her role in raising the profile of the WNBA and shows how endorsement deals, particularly with brands like Nike, are transforming the financial landscape for female athletes. With her endorsement portfolio growing and her influence continuing to rise, Caitlin Clark is poised to remain one of the most prominent figures in women’s basketball for years to come.
