Former executive Sonny Vaccaro believes that Caitlin Clark should have received a shoe deal similar to the one Michael Jordan signed in 1984. Vaccaro, who helped sign Jordan to his first Nike deal, believes that Clark, who recently signed an eight-year deal worth up to $28 million with Nike, should have received more money. He also theorized that previous name, image, and likeness deals likely played a role in the negotiations.
Nike signed Clark in 2022 before she became a standout player in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and had a record-breaking season in 2023-24, setting all-time scoring records. Her deal with Nike, which was set to expire in 2024, included an average salary of $3 million per year, with Nike betting on her potential to transcend women’s sports in the U.S. and become a major player in the Olympics in 2028 and 2032. The offer also included a signature shoe for Clark.
Under Armour was another company that courted Clark, offering a four-year deal worth $16 million which reportedly came the closest to competing with Nike’s offer. NBA star Stephen Curry was involved in Under Armour’s pitch to Clark. Vaccaro criticized the handling of Clark’s deal by her agents, stating that they should have negotiated for more money for her given her potential as a top player in women’s basketball.
Vaccaro believes that Clark is at a peak in her career following her college performance, and if she is going to become the greatest woman player in the world, she will need time to achieve that goal. He emphasized that Clark should have received a better deal and a piece of everything, similar to what Michael Jordan received in his initial deal with Nike. Vaccaro also mentioned that the structure of name, image, and likeness deals likely played a role in the negotiations, as previous generations of basketball stars did not have access to such opportunities.
Overall, Vaccaro feels that the entrenched pro basketball system failed Clark and other women athletes, and that Clark’s agents mishandled her deal with Nike. Despite signing a lucrative eight-year deal with significant potential for earnings and opportunities, Vaccaro believes that Clark should have received a deal more in line with her status as a top player in women’s basketball. He believes that Clark has the potential to become the greatest woman player in the world, but that it will take time for her to achieve that goal.
