It’s no secret that Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been immense, both in terms of her performance and the attention she’s brought to the league. Given her record-breaking rookie season, it’s surprising that Nike hasn’t capitalized on her star power the same way they have with other athletes like LeBron James or A’ja Wilson.

One theory is that Nike’s focus on diversity and inclusion has led to decisions that emphasize representation over simply promoting the most marketable athletes. While there’s no doubt that athletes like A’ja Wilson deserve recognition, Caitlin Clark’s popularity and talent make the delay in her receiving a signature shoe feel questionable. Fans have noticed, and it’s raised concerns about Nike’s priorities—whether they’re more focused on optics than actual performance and star power.

Nike has been struggling since 2021, and the criticism of their CEO only adds fuel to the fire. The company’s decision-making, particularly in promoting certain athletes over others, could be seen as part of their larger struggles. Some believe Caitlin Clark is being sidelined because of business politics and even racial dynamics, as her situation contrasts sharply with how Nike has handled other athletes in the past.

Despite this, Clark remains a force in the WNBA and continues to break barriers. Her growing popularity, with playoff games drawing record viewership, shows that fans are behind her. The question is, why isn’t Nike? Whether it’s about business strategy, public image, or a combination of both, Caitlin Clark deserves to be given the spotlight, and the delay in releasing her signature shoe is baffling to many.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Nike is making a mistake, or is there a bigger picture we’re missing? Share your ideas in the comments below!