The sports world is buzzing after a prominent Adidas Global Ambassador publicly showed massive support for WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark on X (formerly known as Twitter). The internet erupted, with fans and commentators chiming in on this significant show of allegiance, especially given the ongoing controversy surrounding Nike’s treatment of Clark.
This is no small story. Clark, fresh off winning the Rookie of the Year award, received a congratulatory message from the Adidas Ambassador, further fueling the fire in an already heated conversation about her deal with Nike.
For context, Nike signed Clark to a blockbuster 8-year, $28 million endorsement deal. However, despite the massive contract, Nike has done little to promote their star signee. The company has yet to release a single ad or commercial featuring Clark since she turned pro, and her much-anticipated signature shoe may not hit shelves until 2026.
Meanwhile, Nike has been busy promoting another WNBA star—A’ja Wilson, the league’s MVP. Reports suggest that Nike’s focus on Wilson has left Clark feeling sidelined, with many fans expressing frustration at how the company has seemingly neglected one of its most marketable stars. The dissatisfaction reached a boiling point on social media, where Nike was roasted for favoring one player over another.
To make matters worse, Nike is already facing internal turmoil. The company recently fired its CEO, John Donohoe, replacing him with Elliott Hill following a steep 20% drop in stock prices this year. With the Caitlin Clark situation adding to the public relations headache, Nike may be looking for ways to repair its image, and fast.
Despite all this, Clark continues to shine on the court. In her WNBA debut, she made an immediate impact, stealing the ball and scoring her first points in a memorable moment. But while her on-court performance is strong, her off-court partnership with Nike may be at a crossroads.
If Nike continues to overlook her, and with Adidas showing love and support, Clark may soon face a pivotal decision: Should she stay with Nike or seek a new partnership elsewhere?
