Exec Who Signed Michael Jordan Calls Nike's Caitlin Clark Decision the 'Biggest Failure' He's Seen
On Wednesday, Nike took to social media to reveal the first look at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark's signature shoe.
Clark, 24, is in her third season in the WNBA after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and has lived up to every ounce of hype that surrounded her coming out of Iowa. She has been named to two WNBA All-Star teams, one All-WNBA team and was the Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Despite being the main catalyst for the rise in popularity of women's basketball, Nike waited 3.5 years to release her signature shoe, rather than dropping it at the peak of her popularity.
While this decision upset and confused fans, they aren't the only ones perplexed by the long wait. Former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro, who is best known for signing Michael Jordan, recently told ESPN's Dan Wetzel that his former company waited far too long.
"It is one of the biggest failures I've ever seen," Vaccaro told Wetzel.
He didn't stop there, going as far as to say that Clark came into the WNBA and was already bigger than Jordan.
"She was bigger [than Jordan] in some ways because she was a known commodity when she entered the WNBA," Vaccaro said. "The public had grabbed onto her like no one else. She is more than just a basketball player. It makes no sense."
Although this could be the most stunning modern-day example of malpractice for not cashing in on an athlete at their most popular, Clark will simply trust Nike and its vision. The former Iowa star inked an eight-year, $28 million contract in April of 2024.
As reported by Wetzel, Thursday's game against the Atlanta Dream could be the first time that Clark dons the shoes. Like uncoincidentally, Clark's biggest rival, Angel Reese, is now on the Dream, which would be quite the time to unveil them.
Coming to a logo near you. Introducing the Caitlin 1. pic.twitter.com/FjbcquBA7L
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) June 17, 2026
Clark will offically join Reese (REEBOK), Sabrina Ionescu (Nike) and A'ja Wilson (Nike) as notable WNBA players with their own signature shoe.
Thursday's clash between the Fever and Dream will tip at 7:30 p.m. ET and air on Prime Video.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 8:54 PM.