Why Dave Portnoy Thinks Caitlin Clark Is ‘Getting Screwed’ by Nike
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy thinks Caitlin Clarke is “getting screwed” with her record-setting eight-year, $28 million Nike contract.
Despite a deal which will see Clarke develop her own signature sneaker, become the ambassador of the Kobe Bryant line, and be paid more than $3 million per season—well above her WNBA contract, which will pay her $338,056 over four years—Portnoy still thinks Nike low-balled her on its offer.
“If people want to complain about Caitlin Clark getting screwed,” Portnoy wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “complain about this: eight-year, 28 million deal is STEALING. Eight years, 80 million [minimum] is her worth, and that's still prob too cheap.”
Portnoy added: “I hope she has an early opt-out if they don't pay up when she blows through this deal.”
In the comments section of his post, Portnoy contextualized his remarks. “Men would 100 percent buy her sneakers. All girls who play hoop will,” Portnoy reasoned. “Devin Booker got five years [at] 50 million. Caitlin is 100x the star and impact.”
If people want to complain about Caitlin Clark getting screwed complain about this. 8 year 28 million deal is STEALING. 8 years 80 million min is her worth and that's still prob too cheap. I hope she has an early opt out if they don't pay up when she blows through this deal. https://t.co/VNyPg7wPpS
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 23, 2024
Nike won a ferocious bidding war between itself, Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma as Clarke’s agents pushed for a deal worth at least $3 million per season.
Adidas’ offer was reportedly well below that target range, while Under Armour offered $16 million for four years. Though that deal would’ve seen Clarke pocket more money annually, she inevitably went with Nike, who offered her the highest total and added a signature shoe to sweeten the deal at the last minute.
Clarke was the number one pick for the Indiana Fever, which begin its season on May 14 when the team faces off against the Connecticut Suns.