Caitlin Clark Landed a Signature Shoe Already, But What About All the Black WNBA Players??

Caitlin Clark’s unprecedented success and popularity has brought new fans and attention to women’s basketball. The media frenzy around her could lead to more growth for the sport.

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However, it’s also kickstarted conversations about the role race plays in marketing WNBA athletes.

On Wednesday, the discussions about how race is playing into the media coverage of Clark got louder when news of her impending shoe deal broke. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Indiana Fever point guard is close to signing an eight-figure deal with Nike. This led to a deep dive of current WNBA players who’ve had signature shoe deals — a list that includes the legendary Candace Parker as the only Black player.

Other current stars who have released signature shoes are the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu; the Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi; and the Washington Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne; The internet instantly noticed that Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson is noticeably absent from this list.

While Clark has the accomplishments and popularity to deserve Nike’s investment, Wilson is a veteran who has won everything there is to win in the WNBA: She’s a two-time champion; two-time MVP; 2023 WNBA Finals MVP; two-time Defensive Player of the Year; five-time All-Star; and 2018 Rookie of the Year.

Seriously, what more does she need to do to show you what a badass she is!?

With a trophy case that stacked, there’s no reasonable excuse for why Wilson doesn’t have a signature shoe.

By the way, you can support Clark without openly disrespecting A’ja Wilson. If you’re asking “Who’s A’ja Wilson?” in a condescending tone, or saying “Caitlin Clark put A’ja Wilson on the map,” the only person you’re dunking on is yourself. Try watching some women’s basketball before you start commenting on it.

Clark is extraordinarily talented, but she hasn’t played one second of WNBA basketball yet. We don’t know what will happen in her pro career. She should get her moment, but it’s past time that we see this same level of media attention and sponsor investment in Black players.

The 2024 WNBA season kicks off on Tuesday, May 14.