WNBA star Angel Reese has sparked widespread controversy by calling for a boycott of Nike after the brand signed Caitlin Clark to a $28 million endorsement deal and featured her prominently in an advertisement in Chicago. This move has created a firestorm of debate, with many of Reese’s supporters accusing Nike of neglecting her contributions to women’s basketball.
The Controversy Over the Endorsement Deal
Nike’s recent endorsement deal with Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA, is one of the most lucrative rookie contracts in the league’s history. Clark, a standout guard, has gained significant popularity for her impressive performances and marketability. However, the deal has triggered frustration among Reese’s fans, who feel that the LSU champion has been unfairly overlooked despite her success.
As of late 2024, Reese has built a massive social media following, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This online presence has allowed her to secure numerous high-value sponsorship deals, earning over $1.7 million in the past two years. Her fanbase, known as “Reese’s Pieces,” has played a crucial role in propelling her to prominence both on and off the court.
Angel Reese Voices Her Frustration
In a series of posts on social media, Angel Reese openly expressed her dissatisfaction with Nike’s decision. “Y’all see what’s going on,” she wrote, “They make it clear who they want to push. Keep that same energy when we stop supporting.” Reese’s call for a boycott quickly went viral, with fans and athletes alike weighing in on the situation. Some highlighted the racial and gender dynamics at play, arguing that Black female athletes are often unfairly marginalized in major endorsement deals.
Reese herself has been outspoken about the challenges she has faced in securing high-profile endorsement opportunities despite her athletic achievements. While she has found success in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space during her time at LSU, she believes that her contributions deserve greater recognition, especially now that she is playing at the professional level.
Nike’s Controversial Advertising in Chicago
The situation became even more heated when Nike placed one of its Caitlin Clark billboards in Chicago, a city with a significant fanbase for Reese and her team, the Chicago Sky. The billboard was positioned just a few miles from Wintrust Arena, the home of the Sky, making it seem like a direct challenge to Reese’s supporters. Fans quickly took to social media to voice their displeasure, calling the decision “unnecessary and embarrassing.”
One fan posted, “In Chicago… Trying to step on some toes in somebody else’s turf??” The billboard’s location only added fuel to the fire, and many questioned why Nike would choose to feature Clark in a city so closely associated with Reese’s career.
A Rivalry That Dates Back to College
The tension between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is not new. Their rivalry began when Reese’s LSU team defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship. In a now-infamous moment, Reese taunted Clark by pointing to her finger to remind her of LSU’s title victory. This rivalry has only grown as both players have become key figures in the WNBA.
The heightened competition between the two players has played a significant role in the surge in popularity for the WNBA, with record-breaking attendance and viewership in 2024. Regular-season attendance is up by nearly 50 percent, and ESPN’s coverage of WNBA games has seen a massive 170 percent increase in viewership. Their rivalry, which included high-profile games last season, is considered one of the driving forces behind the league’s current growth.
As the WNBA season approaches, Reese’s Chicago Sky will face Clark’s Indiana Fever in what promises to be an exciting opening weekend matchup on May 17, 2025. With both athletes now firmly entrenched as the league’s biggest stars, their rivalry shows no signs of slowing down.
