By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, quoting unnamed sources who are familiar with the negotiations. It has not been confirmed by Clark’s agents at Excel Sports Management, nor by Nike.
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However, Clark’s initial Name, Image and Likeness deal, signed in 2022, expired at the end of the 2023-24 season. The new deal would be the richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player, and Clark’s NIL deal was hotly contested by a number of competitors.
Both Under Armour and Adidas took part in contract discussions with Clark’s agents in February, according to the WSJ and Athletic. Puma also showed some interest early on, but reportedly walked away when told the bidding would start at $3 million per year
The Journal also revealed that Clark received offers of $16 million over four years from Under Armour, and $6 million over four years from Adidas, with both including a signature shoe. Nike’s deal, while stretched over eight years, is significantly more lucrative for Clark, who earned roughly $3 million in NIL royalties while she played with the University of Iowa.
Her partners at State Farm, Gatorade and other companies certainly got their money’s worth. Clark averaged an astounding 31.6 points per game, and led the Hawkeyes to their second straight national championship game. She was drafted No. 1 by the Indiana Fever on April 15. She’ll earn a $76,000 salary as a rookie player in the WNBA, which obviously pales in comparison to her expected earnings for licensing and sponsorships.
But Clark’s success is also driving growth and higher earnings for other women in the WNBA, and really, for women in all types of sports. NCAA women’s basketball posted record smashing attendance and viewing records, particularly for games involving the Hawkeyes, where Clark reliably put on a show with a mix of deep three-pointers, her commanding presence on the court, and her ability to thread the needle with game-winning passes.
The Hawkeye’s loss to South Carolina in the NCAA title game drew 18.9 million viewers, and 2.45 million watched the recent WNBA draft.
Clark’s influence is already helping her new team. Of the Fever’s 40 games this season, 36 will be nationally televised, and ticket sales have skyrocketed around the league.
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