Dave Portnoy has accused Nike of “stealing” from WNBA newcomer Caitlin Clark following her signing of an eight-year, $28 million contract, which includes her own signature shoe.
Clark was selected as the top pick in last week’s WNBA Draft by Indiana Fever, following her impressive performance at Iowa where she averaged 31.6 points and led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship games.
Though a shoe deal for the 22-year-old had been anticipated, more concrete details emerged Tuesday about the length of her contract and the $28 million compensation. However, Barstool Sports founder Portnoy believes this amount significantly undervalues her. He stated, “If people want to complain about Caitlin Clark getting screwed complain about this,’ Portnoy wrote. ‘8 year 28 million deal is STEALING. 8 years 80 million min is her worth and that’s still prob too cheap.
He expressed hope that Clark has an option to leave the contract early if the financial terms aren’t adjusted as her career progresses.
Portnoy also noted, “Men would 100% buy her sneakers. All girls who play hoop will. Devin Booker got 5 years 50 million. Caitlin is 100x the Star and impact.”
Additionally, Clark had received propositions from Under Armour and Adidas for $16 million and $6 million over four years, respectively, each also offering a signature shoe, as reported by the WSJ.
Before announcing her decision to turn professional instead of returning to Iowa for a fifth season under a COVID-19 exemption, Clark’s agents were already negotiating the Nike contract.
Portnoy, a vocal admirer of Clark, traveled to Albany earlier in April to watch her lead Iowa to victory over Angel Reese and LSU in the NCAA tournament, later declaring he had witnessed “greatness.”
Despite Portnoy’s views on her contract’s value, Clark’s earnings from her Nike deal will significantly exceed her WNBA salary, which will be $76,535 in her debut season at the Fever. Her four-year deal with Indiana totals $338,000.
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