Pressure on Nike to deliver for Caitlin Clark after Paige Bueckers got a DIFFERENT DEAL
Clark is the woman of the moment, with her impact transcending basketball
Caitlin Clark has rapidly ascended to superstardom in women’s basketball, cementing her legacy with an extraordinary college career and earning the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
Her popularity is reflected in record-breaking jersey sales, which surged by 500% this season. However, despite her $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, one glaring omission remains: the absence of her promised signature shoe.
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Nike’s CEO Elliot Hill recently revealed during a Q2 earnings call that Clark‘s signature shoe is not expected to launch until 2026. This revelation has sparked an uproar among fans, who took to social media to voice their frustrations.
On X, user @nosyone4 shared a clip from the earnings call, igniting debate. “It’s crazy that they are waiting until 2026 to release Caitlin’s shoe,” wrote @kenswift. “The fact it takes three years to put it out makes zero sense to me.”
Fans Question Nike’s Strategy as Paige Bueckers Takes the Lead
The delay is particularly puzzling when compared to Nike’s treatment of another basketball star, Paige Bueckers. The college athlete debuted her custom Nike GT Hustle 3 sneaker on December 7, 2024, complete with personalized details and cutting-edge technology. Fans quickly drew comparisons, with some questioning Nike’s priorities. “Caitlin Clark arrives in the WNBA in 2024 and the shoes will be released in 2026. While Paige is in college, she already has her personalized shoes,” noted @LMadridista__. “It is clear who is the priority and who is not.”
Clark‘s loyal supporters believe Nike is underestimating her value, with many expressing that the delay undermines her growing influence. “Caitlin is worth bars of gold to Nike,” wrote @scottde07820838. Others warned that the postponement could backfire, with @5tephenRN stating, “If they wait that long, they’re fools.” Fans also pointed out the inherent risks of delay, such as unforeseen injuries, which could impact the shoe’s launch and marketing.
Criticism of Nike’s overall strategy has also gained momentum. “They should fast-track Clark‘s sneaker. It’s disrespectful to ice out the hottest new athlete’s kicks,” commented @FLimaxxx. With Nike’s market cap down 32% this year, alienating Clark‘s fanbase could further damage its standing.
Calls for Accountability and Potential Rival Opportunities
The contrast between Clark and Bueckers has reignited debates among fans. Many see Bueckers‘ prioritized shoe release as an unfair advantage. “Paige is in college and already has her shoes. Caitlin‘s fans? Still waiting,” noted one commenter. Rival brands have also taken notice, with whispers that Adidas, which previously courted Clark, may seize the opportunity to make a renewed offer. “Go Adidas,” declared one user, reflecting growing discontent with Nike’s approach.
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Clark‘s supporters are not staying silent. Many have called for Nike to address the delay and deliver on their promise. Some fans have even proposed boycotting the brand until action is taken. Beyond the issue of footwear, this outcry is about honoring Clark‘s contributions to the sport and her role as a trailblazing figure for women in athletics.
The pressure is on Nike to act swiftly. For Caitlin Clark and her fans, the stakes are much higher than just a sneaker-they represent recognition of her impact on the game and her significance as a role model in women’s sports.
Angel Reese caught in Trinity and Dennis Rodman family drama
The LSU star’s viral moment with Dennis Rodman stirs emotions in Trinity, who shares her raw feelings about her father.
Angel ReeseAP Photo
Angel Reese, the LSU basketball standout, has unexpectedly found herself tangled in the ongoing family tensions between Dennis Rodman and his daughter, Trinity Rodman. Known for her dominant double-doubles, Reese once shared a high-profile moment with the NBA Hall of Famer, which Trinity recently addressed in an emotional interview.
During a candid conversation on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Trinity Rodman opened up about her strained relationship with her father and how his larger-than-life presence has impacted her. Specifically, she recalled a viral moment from the 2024 WNBA season when Angel Reese donned Dennis Rodman’s iconic Detroit Pistons jersey ahead of a game, sparking widespread attention.
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I’m not throwing shade at anybody,” Trinity clarified. “But I remember Angel Reese wore his jersey in one game, and there was a picture of them together. Seeing that as his daughter it’s like, no shade, but damn, I wish I had that kind of connection with him.
The soccer star, who helped lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to Olympic gold in Paris, expressed how moments like these highlight the emotional gap in her relationship with Dennis.
A complex father-daughter relationship
The interview delved deeper into Trinity’s complicated history with her father, whom she described as an “alcoholic” and often absent during her formative years. One particularly hurtful memory was Dennis Rodman’s surprise appearance at her playoff game in 2021, which she called “frustrating.”
Despite their fractured bond, Trinity has built an impressive career of her own. She’s become a pivotal player in the National Women’s Soccer League and a celebrated figure on the international stage.
Dennis Rodman’s public apology
In response to Trinity’s remarks, Dennis Rodman took to Instagram to issue a heartfelt apology. Acknowledging his shortcomings as a father, he wrote, “I’m sorry I wasn’t the dad you wanted me to be, but I’ve always tried. I’m still here, hoping for a chance to make things right.”
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Rodman expressed pride in his daughter’s accomplishments, emphasizing his desire to rebuild their connection. “I wish my kids would call me and come see me. Hopefully, one day I’ll get that,” he concluded.
As Trinity continues to carve out her legacy, moments like her reflections on Angel Reese and her father remind us of the complexities behind even the brightest public personas.
