After taking the basketball world by storm, Caitlin Clark has earned herself another big endorsement deal.
The number one pick in the WNBA draft has secured a multi-year partnership with equipment manufacturer Wilson, which has supplied the official ball of the WNBA since 2021.
The deal, which was announced by the brand on Tuesday, will include an exclusive basketball collection, making the Indiana Fever rookie the first since Michael Jordan to receive such an honor.
The six-time NBA champion is believed to be the only athlete to have developed an exclusive collection with Wilson, according to Boardroom.
Wilson has already released three different gold and white basketballs honoring separate milestones in Clark’s college career.
Caitlin Clark has landed a multi-year partnership with basketball equipment manufacturer Wilson.
She will be the first athlete since Michael Jordan to have an exclusive collection with the brand.
The three Clark-branded balls, titled Three Up, Record Breaker and Crowd Maestro, feature laser engravings of the guard’s signature moves from his time at Iowa, where he broke the NBA’s all-time basketball scoring record. NCAA Division I.
“I think it’s super special and it’s been fun for me,” Clark told Boardroom. ‘I feel like I’m that kid who had those basketballs he kept in the garage.
‘I’m very fortunate to partner with Wilson to create something that everyone can enjoy. “It connects with many generations and it will be fun to see children walking with them in their arms.”
Within her role as ambassador, Clark will also test and advise Wilson on his basketball equipment.
The collaboration adds to the millions Clark is believed to be already earning. Since he burst onto the scene in the college ranks, Clark has earned about $3 million in NIL money at Iowa from deals he had with State Farm, Gatorade, Nike and others, according to the WSJ.
She is also believed to have signed a historic deal with Nike last month, which would see her sign the richest endorsement deal for a female basketball player.
All three Clark brand balls feature laser engravings of the guard’s signature moves.
The white and gold balls are titled Three Up (left), Record Breaker and Crowd Maestro (right).
The Indiana Fever rookie is also believed to have signed a historic deal with Nike last month.
Clark’s initial name, image and likeness contract with the sportswear giant, signed in 2022, expired at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Under Armor and Adidas also participated in contract negotiations with Clark’s team in February, according to the WSJ and The Athletic. Puma also showed some interest, but backed out when told bidding would start at $3 million a year, according to the WSJ.
Clark received offers of $16 million over four years from Under Armor and $6 million over four years from Adidas, and both included an exclusive shoe, according to the WSJ.
Clark earns a $76,000 rookie salary with the Fever, who are currently 0-4 to begin the 2024 WNBA season and looking to get their first win of the year in Seattle on Wednesday.
