Caitlin Clark Lands New Deal
Caitlin Clark, the rising WNBA star, has secured a landmark multiyear partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods, the company announced on Tuesday. This significant deal includes a signature basketball collection, a feat not seen since Michael Jordan’s collaboration with Wilson in the 1980s.
Wilson Sporting Goods is set to distribute “signature basketball collections celebrating Clark’s continued legacy.” As part of the agreement, Clark will also play a key role in testing, advising, and providing feedback on a range of Wilson basketball products.
While the financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed, Clark expressed her excitement and gratitude in a statement. “Wilson has been with me across some of the most pivotal moments in my career so far, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue driving basketball forward alongside them,” she said. “It feels surreal to have my own basketball collection, and to affect what that means for future generations of athletes.”
NEWS: Caitlin Clark has signed a multi-year partnership deal with Wilson.
Clark will get a signature basketball collection with Wilson—making her the first athlete since Michael Jordan to do so with the brand. pic.twitter.com/c4G7iNnhIv
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 21, 2024
Clark’s partnership with Wilson marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first-ever female athlete to have her own collection with the company. This echoes Wilson’s iconic collaboration with Michael Jordan shortly after he entered the NBA in 1984.
Wilson has already posted the new designs on their website. The collection includes basketballs celebrating Clark’s signature celebration after hitting a three-pointer, her record-breaking achievements, and her ability to energize crowds. The designs are sharp, featuring white and gold panels with Clark’s laser engravings during her time at the University of Iowa.
Beyond her new endorsement deal with Wilson, Caitlin Clark has existing partnerships with major brands like Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm. Her Nike deal, an eight-year, $28 million contract, drew significant attention for its groundbreaking nature, with some arguing she deserved even more.
Welcome to the team, @CaitlinClark22!
Wilson is proud to have Caitlin join our basketball family and help us continue to grow the game worldwide.
– –@WNBA@IndianaFever pic.twitter.com/YIL8rrLYMM— Wilson Basketball (@WilsonBasktball) May 21, 2024
In her early games with the Indiana Fever, Clark has experienced some growing pains. Despite being among the league’s top five in points, assists, and blocks per game, the Fever have yet to secure a win in their first four games. However, Clark remains optimistic and focused on her career.
Reflecting on her journey and the partnership with Wilson, Clark shared her childhood connection to Wilson basketballs and her excitement about the new collection. “I’m just very lucky and fortunate to partner with Wilson to create something that everyone can enjoy,” she said. “It connects with a lot of generations, and it’ll be fun to see kids walking around holding them.”
Caitlin Clark’s partnership with Wilson is more than just an endorsement; it symbolizes a new era for women in sports. By following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, she is paving the way for future generations of female athletes to achieve similar success and recognition.