By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Nike Basketball is giving Caitlin Clark her own mark on the game … literally.
The brand announced August 28 that Clark, one of the most watched and influential players in basketball, is officially joining Nike’s signature athlete roster, complete with her own logo.
The move expands Clark’s partnership with Nike, which began in 2022, and marks a significant step for a player who has quickly become a household name through her standout play and ability to connect with fans on and off the court.
“Nike’s signature roster features all-time greats, and I am incredibly proud to join some of the best athletes in the world,” Clark said. “I’m excited to share a first look at what we’ve started to create together.”
At the center of Thursday’s announcement is Clark’s signature logo, a design featuring two bold, interlocking C’s, with a smaller hidden “C” woven between them. According to Nike, the design reflects Clark’s precision and power, as well as her ability to inspire fans and younger players.
“Together, Caitlin and Nike designers obsessed over every detail to create a signature logo that speaks to her precision, power and unique ability to inspire the next generation of hoopers,” the company said in a statement.
Nike says the larger C’s represent Clark’s confidence, commitment and sharp shooting ability, while the smaller interior C reflects how her game developed “from the inside out,” a subtle nod to her drive and passion for the sport.
The partners say Clark was heavily involved in the creative process, reviewing design options and weighing in on the look and feel of the final logo.
“From the beginning, Caitlin took a hands-on approach to the design and creative process, working closely with Nike designers and scrutinizing every detail to land on a signature logo that felt timeless and resonant, simple yet elevated,” the company said.
The logo will first appear on a new line of sportswear and basketball essentials, including T-shirts, hoodies, shorts and pants, set to launch this fall. A navy and yellow Clark logo shirt will be available September 1 in North America, followed by the full collection October 1 on nike.com. Her first full signature shoe and apparel collection is scheduled to debut in 2026.
“To me, this is more than just a logo, it’s a dream come true,” Clark said. “People always talk about leaving your mark on the game, and this is another way I can do that.”
Nike executives say Clark’s addition to its signature roster reflects the brand’s commitment to women’s basketball and its players.
“At Nike, we’ve always drawn inspiration not only from the world’s greatest athletes but also from those who elevate the spirit of sport itself,” said Ann Miller, executive vice president of Nike Global Sports Marketing. “Caitlin exemplifies both; an exceptional basketball player and an outstanding ambassador for the game. We’re excited to take this next step together, continuing to shape this historic time for women’s basketball and pushing the game and industry forward.”
Clark joins a select group of athletes with signature branding from Nike, a list that has historically included basketball icons such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. On the women’s side, WNBA guard Sabrina Ionescu became the first woman to debut a Nike signature shoe in over a decade in 2023, followed by A’ja Wilson in 2024.
Clark’s presence on this impressive roster not only reinforces Nike’s investment in women’s basketball but also places her alongside the rare company of athletes whose personal branding is considered global and culturally significant.
It’s notable that Clark’s rise in the world of licensing comes during a time of unprecedented visibility for women’s sports, particularly basketball. Women’s sports have enjoyed soaring television ratings, and record attendance figures point to growing organic interest that has attracted much more interest in licensing deals with female athletes.