Michael Jordan's dealmaker calls out Caitlin Clark's Nike $28,000,000 deal: "Should have gotten everything like MJ"

By Evan Bell

Modified Apr 27, 2024 19:17 GMT

Recently, Caitlin Clark signed an eight-year deal with Nike that will see her earn $28 million. While the deal is a groundbreaking one that marks the largest deal ever signed by a WNBA player, Ex-Nike Exec Sonny Vaccaro believes Clark could have made even more. The way he sees things, Clark should have signed a deal similar to the one he signed Michael Jordan to in the 80s.

At the time, Nike signed the high-flying North Carolina standout to a five-year deal worth $2.5 million. However, the crux of the deal included royalties, which gave Jordan a portion of his Nike-branded merchandise.

The way Vaccaro sees things, Caitlin Clark should have signed a similar deal. With Nike indicating that Iowa Hawkeye alum will get her own signature shoe, it's no secret that she's well on her way to becoming a star.

While speaking in an interview with TMZ Sports, he indicated that the fault lay with Clark's team, and other basketball shoe brands who dropped out of the race to sign Clark.

"She should have gotten a piece of everything just like Michael Jordan. ... I'm saying to you they messed up. They should have held on to the last drop."

Looking at The Caitlin Clark Effect ahead of the NCAA star’s rookie season

While Caitlin Clark has yet to play a single minute in the WNBA, her presence has already been felt around the league. After the NCAA March Madness tournament, Indiana Fever season ticket prices began to increase in anticipation of the team drafting Clark.

In addition, when the WNBA schedule was released, it was revealed that 36 of the team’s 40 games are set to be scheduled for TV. Since then, both home and away Indiana Fever games have begun to sell out incredibly quick, with fans eager to have a chance to see the young star play.

That connection to a larger fanbase is part of what Sonny Vaccaro believes should have helped get Clark a bigger deal than the one she signed with Nike. As he explained in the previously mentioned interview, Caitlin Clark has appeal that reaches a broader range of fans.

“Caitlin Clark was in the best position to maximize her value immediately ... let's just say women's sports here. Than anyone I ever knew. And I know I didn't know anything about her. I just know she was brilliant, and she's charismatic, and I just know the kids love her. And the most important thing in today's sports world is the next generation. “

While Clark’s WNBA contract may not be worth much money compared to the rookie contracts being signed by NBA players, that could change. Recently, WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert indicated that when the league’s media rights deal expires, she hopes the WNBA can sign a larger deal amid the increase in fan interest.

With the season set to tip off on May 14, it’s clear that Caitlin Clark is just getting started.