Rival businesses didn’t seem to be sitting still as rumors say Caitlin Clark is nearing an eight-figure endorsement agreement with Nike. Under Armour apparently made a strong push, even including Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry in its pitch, according to Shams Charnia of The Athletic.
“It’s noteworthy that Stephen Curry participated in the Under Armour pitch,” Charnia stated. “He wears Under Armour and Curry Brand.” He had something to do with that pitch. I believe that he and Caitlin Clark are starting to develop a connection, but she isn’t signing there. She will also shortly officially join Nike.
The reporting from Charnia suggests Clark might have become part of the Curry Brand under Under Armour. This could have involved a dual endorsement deal with both Under Armour and Curry himself. However, it seems she’s chosen Nike over both Under Armour and Adidas, for that matter.
Although Curry has been compared to the Indiana Fever guard because of his accurate shooting, Curry downplays this. He acknowledges her amazing potential but feels that her game isn’t given enough credit because of how much emphasis is placed on their three-point shooting ability. It “robs her of the rest of her game,” as he put it.
Despite not partnering commercially, Clark and Curry seem to be fostering a relationship. And while that’s notable in itself, it’s also notable because it continues to further the point that sports business reporter Darren Rovell,
Joe Pompliano notes that any doubts regarding the financial feasibility of Clark’s WNBA career are dispelled by the rumored huge Nike agreement. She wouldn’t have had the same negotiating power with Under Armour or Adidas in college because she already had a non-intellectual lease with the sportswear company and was a player for the Nike-sponsored Iowa Hawkeyes. The rivalry among Under Armour, Adidas, Nike, and maybe other companies increased the worth of Clark’s endorsement contract.
With a signature sneaker and a Nike endorsement deal, Clark continues to become a transformative figure in women’s basketball. And the fact that Curry’s personal brand actively pursued Clark underscores her immense marketability and potential to reshape the sport.
