Is Caitlin Clark getting shortchanged by Nike? Dave Portnoy thinks so, and he’s not holding back!
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has transformed the WNBA since 2024, packing arenas and boosting women’s basketball’s popularity. Yet, Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy believes her $28 million, eight-year Nike deal—record-breaking for a female basketball player—is a rip-off. On the Courtside Club podcast, Portnoy called out Nike, comparing Clark’s deal to Devin Booker’s $40 million annual payout. “In what universe is Devin Booker worth $40 million and Caitlin’s worth eight?” he fumed. Clark, a Nike athlete since her NCAA days with Iowa, will launch her signature shoe in 2026, joining A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu as one of the WNBA’s few with that honor. Her deal includes apparel like shirts and hoodies, but Portnoy insists it doesn’t match her impact. “I wish I was her agent,” he said, calling the contract “the dumbest” move. Clark’s electric play and fan-favorite status have elevated the WNBA, yet some, like commissioner Cathy Engelbert, seem to undervalue her, with Engelbert reportedly suggesting Clark should be “grateful” for her platform. Fans and analysts like Scott Van Pelt are stunned by such takes. As Clark continues to redefine women’s basketball, her upcoming shoe sales could prove Portnoy right. Is Nike underpaying a generational talent? Join the debate and let us know what you think!
Do you agree with Portnoy? Is Caitlin Clark’s Nike deal unfair? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more WNBA drama! 🏀 #CaitlinClark 
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