By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-04 15:45:33 | Updated at 2024-10-08 05:38:09
3 days ago
Nike has been accused of snubbing Caitlin Clark throughout her record-breaking WNBA rookie season after paying tribute to the Indiana Fever star on social media.
Clark enjoyed a historic debut campaign up in the big leagues despite the Indiana Fever being swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs last week.
The 22-year-old set endless records over the course of the season; including when she became the fastest rookie ever to put up 100 points and 50 assists after doing so in just eight games.
She also registered the most assists in a season (337), points scored or assisted on in a season (1,520), points by a rookie (769) and three-point field goals by a rookie (122).
After being selected by Indiana with the first overall pick at this year's WNBA Draft, Clark penned a controversial eight-year, $28million deal with Nike which was blasted for being too low given her unprecedented success in the college ranks.
Nike has received a backlash after posting a tribute to Caitlin Clark on social media
And throughout the 2024 season, fans have been left furious at the lack of Caitlin Clark merchandise created by Nike, despite the Fever rookie bringing more eyeballs to women's basketball than ever before.
As a result, the company received a backlash after celebrating some of Clark's rookie records in a post on X following her playoff exit.
Several users blasted Nike for ignoring her throughout the season, while also urging them to create some merchandise for the Rookie of the Year.
One wrote: 'Wow, y'all finally realized Caitlin Clark actually is signed with you?? Congrats '.
Another posted: 'After being quiet all season you reluctantly come out of the woodworks. We are ready to buy her merch. If you don’t want to make it send her to another brand who do. #FREECC22'.
'We need some merch?? When are we going to get some announcements?? CC is guaranteed to sell out in mins,' asked a third fan.
Several fans took to X to accuse the sportswear giants of snubbing Clark in her rookie season
The Indiana Fever sensation set record after record throughout her debut WNBA campaign
Another user put: 'she is in Jordan, Serena, Tiger territory for how much she can sell and yall just sitting there and watching…smh'.
'Good to see you remember she exists,' said a fifth.
While one joked: 'Drop the Air Caitlins please. Im in line at Foot Locker'.
Nike has released a special '2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year' T-shirt in tribute to Clark after her incredible debut season with the Fever.
The back of the design features some more of the records she set on the court, including most dimes in a single game (19) and becoming the first rookie to score a triple-double.
