Sneaker Expert Puts 9-Figure Valuation on Caitlin Clark's First Signature Shoe
In April 2024, WNBA star Caitlin Clark agreed to an eight-year deal worth $28 million with Nike just days after the Indiana Fever made her the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
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Since then, the global athletic apparel brand has sold a mountain of jerseys, shirts, hoodies and hats associated with Clark, but a signature shoe is still likely a year away.
Recently, Nike released a "Caitlin Clark" variation of the Kobe V Protro. The midnight navy, bright crimson and university gold colorway sold out in minutes after becoming available on Monday.
The Clark shoes are now widely available on resale markets and have sold for nearly $400 on eBay.
Sneaker insiders believe that when Clark's own signature shoe becomes available, Nike could bring in nine figures.
'I think when Caitlin's shoe comes out, it can be a $150 million business,' sneaker insider Nick DePaula said to Front Office Sports.
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'It could become a top-five signature franchise across basketball.' Clark's signature sneaker is part of her eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike.
Clark's shoe is tentatively scheduled for a spring 2026 launch as Nike has a two-year development cycle for signature shoes. DePaula believes Nike is taking their time to deliver the product.
'They want to get it right,' said DePaula.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The WNBA's popularity has skyrocketed since Clark's arrival in 2024.
Last May, Sportico reported WNBA ticket sales were up 93%.
For example, in May, Ryan Brewer, an associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, released an analysis that showed Clark was directly responsible for 26.5% of all WNBA economic activity last season.
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He also gave the Fever a $340 million valuation, nearly four times the value provided by Sportico in 2024.
Related: Caitlin Clark Trend Emerges After Angel Reese's BET Awards Win
Related: Sophie Cunningham Expresses Lack of Satisfaction After Indiana Fever Move
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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