Caitlin Clark is breaking records in all aspects. Just as a rookie WNBA Player, Clark has managed to ink an 8-year signature Nike deal worth $28 million. The value of the deal was met with both praise and criticism. What lies underneath all the drama is how numerous exceptional WNBA talent have remained underappreciated for so long. Many pointed out that A’ja Wilson who has been part of the Nike roster for seven years, is now getting her signature shoe deal. NBA star Dwyane Wade shared what he thinks about the situation.

While he seemingly agreed with fans’ outrage and frustration on the matter, Wade stated that Clark deserves positive attention, lucrative deals, and maybe even due contribution to this. The same reason why Michael Jordan is still popular among basketball enthusiasts – the global impact.

“I think Caitlyn Clark’s shoe deal was deserved and needed and it’s not even about what she did in the WNBA. This about her brand that’s around the that’s so big around the world and so you know it’s going to be a lot of you know young girls that’s going to play volleyball and basketball and other sports is going to that’s going to rock Caitlyn Clark sneakers,” Wade said.

Clark’s popularity and impact have managed to spotlight all the greater and more experienced talents in the women’s pro league. However, fans’ frustration is also understandable given how Wilson boasts 2 WNBA titles, Defensive Player of the Year, and 2 league MVPs recognition, five All-Star jerseys. The company has been working with the athlete on her signature shoe deal for a long time. It will likely be launched in 2025. 

That takes us back to one of the most honest remarks shared by the Miami Heat legend.

Have the fans done enough to support the WNBA?

On one of the segments of The Wine Down podcast, Wade shared that fans are now upset about how some WNBA players still haven’t received their own signature shoe deals. While many continue to criticize the pay disparity between women’s and men’s professional leagues, Wade explained that this is because fans haven’t supported the WNBA enough.

Let’s not forget that, in comparison to Clark’s $28 million, an Indiana Fever rookie will play for a $76,535 salary. “You ain’t supporting them like they ain’t got signature shoes because no one has been. They’ve had a couple people but it’s not like it’s people going out and running to sleeping overnight like they do with Jordans to go get these things,” Wade said.

While speaking of Wilson’s upcoming deal, Wade shared that he is excited and can’t wait to buy one of those for his daughter. The Chicago Sky owner was spotted sitting courtside with his wife at a Game between Sky and Connecticut Sun.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.