Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe on hold as Nike focuses on A’ja Wilson’s in efforts to ‘quell the noise’
Nike is focused on launching WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson's signature shoe before bringing in rookie Caitlin Clark's signature line.
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WNBA stars A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark will sport Nike signature shoes soon
Even before she finished her collegiate career, Nike promoted Caitlin Clark so much that everyone thought she would be receiving a signature shoe even before she steps foot on a WNBA floor. Her deal with the sneaker giant fueled those rumors. But it has been five months since her debut and there is no sign of one. Instead, Nike’s next launch will be for MVP A’ja Wilson as part of her signature lineup.
Basketball reporter Ethan Strauss was trying to find out the reason for the delay in Caitlin Clark’s shoe. After speaking with several industry insiders, he came to the conclusion as revealed in his blog, House of Strauss;
Based on conversations with people in the know, it indeed has something to do with WNBA MVP and Nike athlete A’ja Wilson. But beyond Wilson, it’s about a culture at the company that’s more concerned with quelling noise rather than making it, as Nike once used to.
Ethan Strauss reported
He revealed that Nike have purposefully delayed the launch of Caitlin Clark‘s shoe. That is to avoid a possible narrative coming from fans for not launching the best player in the league before a rookie.
Ever since Nike ran ads promoting Caitlin Clark’s college exploits, fans were livid as to why the best player in the WNBA was being ignored. They felt it was disrespectful of Nike to promote a rookie while the Las Vegas Aces star struggled to bring in endorsements.
Nike eventually came out with a campaign to launch A’ja Wilson‘s A-One brand. They also announced a signature shoe for 2025. Strauss believes, Nike has done this to stop the noise from affecting their reputation. They might as well not be the source of divide in the very league they have invested in.
Nike losing potential earnings as other Caitlin Clark endorsements continue to sell out
Ethan Strauss stressed that with this decision, Nike is losing out on earnings. His assumption does have some logic as Caitlin Clark is selling out arenas despite being a rookie in the WNBA. Her presence has also helped the WNBA and Indiana Fever merchandise departments to record all-time high in sales.
All of that does bring Nike some funds, but it is missing out on profits from direct sales. Her signature Wilson basketballs have sold out and the company has had to restock twice to meet demand. Even rival Angel Reese‘s Reebok signature line is selling like hot cakes.
It all goes to show that Nike are losing out on potential earnings. WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson’s shoe will launch this coming spring. Expect the company to make an announcement for Caitlin Clark after that. The corporation thinks it will be the perfect way to launch signature lines than to be the source of fan displeasure.
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Joseph Varghese
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