Paige Bueckers Capitalizes on Caitlin Clark’s Perceived $28M Mistake as Nike’s Deafening Silence Continues

Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise has taken the WNBA to new heights. Her deep, logo-range threes and back-to-back record-breaking performances make her a must-watch superstar. It’s no wonder brands can’t resist her charm. Back in 2022, Nike swooped in and signed Clark to a multi-year NIL deal, banking on her incredible college stardom. But here’s the thing—ever since she landed that historic $28 million rookie contract as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Nike has been… oddly quiet.

The big-money deal has fans, void of Caitlin Clark shoes or even some merchandise, believing it to be a mistake, considering companies such as Under Armour, Adidas, and Puma were in line to sign the 22-year-old, which could have brought her more attention. And while Nike seems to be sleeping on her, someone else is making big moves in the spotlight: Paige Bueckers. The NCAA phenom, known for smashing records and making history, just added another “first” to her resume this week.

On Monday, Paige became the first college athlete to design and launch her very own Nike Player Edition basketball sneaker. Yep, her Nike GT Hustle 3s are here, and they’re all about helping her dominate in what’s shaping up to be an epic final collegiate season. “It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe,” Paige said. “I grew up wearing Nikes—all the signature shoes—so it’s surreal to have this player edition model. I just want to show out in it.”

And the details? They’re as personal as it gets.

The shoe features a nod to the 2021 Naismith Player of the Year’s roots, with area codes for Storrs, Connecticut, and her hometown in Minnesota crossing paths on the left tongue. On the heel? A bubble text message reading, “Be you, Be great”—a sweet tribute to the advice her dad gives her before every game. To top it all off, her name is printed proudly on the right heel.

This isn’t just a cool milestone; it’s part of a bigger story. Just last year, Paige signed her first NIL deal with Nike, and it’s been a win-win partnership ever since. She’s even made history by becoming the first NCAA athlete to earn ownership equity in Unrivaled, a women’s basketball league. Between her new signature shoe and Nike’s long list of partnerships with big brands like Chegg, Dunkin’, and Gatorade, this deal is turning heads.

But let’s circle back to Caitlin Clark—what’s going on with Nike and her?

Nothing. Nike hasn’t done much to highlight Clark’s success this year. Case in point—when she won Rookie of the Year this season, Adidas celebrated with a big congratulatory post, but Nike? Nothing much. And while we’re in the off-season, there’s still no word on any Clark signature shoe.

The rumor mill says we won’t see one until 2026-27. Let that sink in! Compare that to LeBron James, who played his first NBA game in his signature kicks, or Paige, who’s rocking hers in college.

Sports media personality Rachel DeMita didn’t hold back her thoughts: “Her WNBA season has come and gone, and Nike has not done one thing to promote her. No commercials, no ads, no Caitlin Clark merchandise, and definitely no signature shoes. It’s mind-blowing!”

So, what gives? Reports suggest Nike’s been laser-focused on A’ja Wilson’s signature line instead. And while Clark’s star power did get tied to Wilson’s merch, which sold out in minutes, the lack of a personal spotlight for Clark feels like a major miss. What do you think? Is it time for Nike to wake up and give Caitlin Clark the recognition she deserves? Or will we keep waiting?