Caitlin Clark, the rising star of women’s basketball, is on the verge of securing a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike that includes the creation of her own signature shoe. According to reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the deal is set to be worth eight figures, marking a significant milestone in Clark’s career.

While specific financial details were not disclosed, the reported agreement with Nike far surpasses Clark’s WNBA rookie contract with the Indiana Fever, which is valued at $338,056 over four years. As a rookie, Clark is slated to earn a base salary of $76,535, a figure determined by the WNBA’s rookie wage scale negotiated collectively.

Clark’s journey to securing such a lucrative endorsement deal is emblematic of her meteoric rise in the basketball world. As a standout player at the University of Iowa, she garnered widespread acclaim for her exceptional talent, leading her team to back-to-back national championship games and becoming college basketball’s all-time leading scorer.

Her success on the court translated into off-court recognition, as evidenced by the record-breaking ratings generated by televised games featuring her. The WNBA draft, where Clark was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Fever, further solidified her status as a marketable athlete with immense potential.

The reported bidding war among major sportswear brands, including Adidas and Under Armour, underscores the value attributed to Clark’s endorsement. Despite competing offers, Clark appears poised to align herself with Nike, a decision reportedly influenced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who was involved in the negotiation process.

In addition to Nike, Clark already boasts endorsement deals with prominent brands such as Panini, Gatorade, and State Farm. These partnerships, coupled with her impending agreement with Nike, signal a lucrative future for the talented young athlete both on and off the basketball court.

As Clark prepares to embark on her professional basketball career in the WNBA, her anticipated endorsement deal with Nike represents a significant milestone and underscores her status as one of the most promising talents in the sport.