Taurasi backs Clark.
Without Hesitation, Diana Taurasi Backs Caitlin Clark for Signature Nike Shoe originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As Caitlin Clark continues to reign over the WNBA, her influence off the court has become just as compelling.
On Wednesday, Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi was asked who deserves the league’s next signature sneaker. Without missing a beat, Taurasi pointed to the Indiana Fever star.
"Oh, Caitlin, of course," Taurasi said. "Yeah, I mean, I know she has some PEs, little colorways, but you can do that on Nike ID. I mean, the next Caitlin shoe should be the next one and you know my kids will be wearing it."
That endorsement comes amid Clark’s second professional season, in which she's been limited to just 13 games till now due to injury. During this time, Clark has posted 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals nightly production.
Caitlin Clark's Nike Deal and Signature Shoe Timeline
Clark signed an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike in April 2024, the largest ever for a women’s basketball player. The contract includes:
- A dedicated signature shoe line
- Custom logo development
- Marketing and apparel collaborations
Despite heavy anticipation, Clark’s official signature shoe has yet to hit retail. Nike CEO Elliott Hill confirmed in January that the brand is actively designing both the shoe and Clark’s personal logo, noting that development typically spans two years.
Front Office Sports reports the first Caitlin Clark signature model is slated for a 2026 release. In the interim, Nike has rolled out two Caitlin-themed Player Editions (PEs) of Kobe Protro silhouettes:
- Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Indiana Fever" (June 2025 release)
- Nike Kobe 6 Protro "Light Armory Blue" (Holiday 2025 release)
Other WNBA Signature Shoes
While Clark’s signature model looms on the horizon, several WNBA stars already boast their own lines:
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): Nike A’One debuted in February 2025, featuring Cushlon 3.0 foam and a reimagined traction pattern. The "Pink A'ura" colorway sold out in minutes at $110 retail.
- Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty): Puma Stewie series (Stewie 1-4) launched in 2022, with NITROFOAM midsoles and PWRTAPE-reinforced uppers tailored for women’s feet.
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty): Nike Sabrina line kicked off in 2023 with React cushioning and Zoom Air forefoot units; Sabrina 2 followed in 2024, each priced near $130 retail.
- Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): Reebok Angel Reese 1 debuted in July 2025 at the WNBA All-Star Game. The "Diamond Dust" colorway features iridescent purple and pink details over a light blue base and Reebok’s Energy Return System cushioning.
In an era when off-court influence is critiqued as much (if not more so) than on-court success, Clark’s shoe would join a short list of WNBA players with signature models, further legitimizing her case for face of the league.
Related: WNBA Team in Line for Punishment After Indiana Fever Game
Related: Lexie Hull Shares Honest Take on Playing Without Caitlin Clark
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
