With no 3-point contest and All-Star game, Caitlin Clark’s schedule just opened up. So what was she supposed to do? Sell a few basketballs, of course. Wilson Sporting Goods wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity like the WNBA All-Star Weekend on Indiana Fever turf, without selling some merch, were they?. They tapped CC for their pop-up store and made a lot of people’s day. Thanks to Wilson, we got Internet gems like this one.

Clark announced she won’t be participating in the All-Star Weekend after aggravating her groin injury during the game on Tuesday. She skipped the 3-Point Contest and won’t be captaining her team on the court against Team Collier. But did you think she would lock herself in a room and cry about it? Nah…this CC. She decided to get involved in other ways.

Since withdrawing her on-court participation, Clark let loose at the Studbudz party, went on Good Morning America, attended practice with Team Clark, did a live podcast with Sue Bird, and joined two pop-up events with Wilson Basketball and State Farm. Woof! Busy day, eh? She would have probably preferred to be on court instead.

At the Wilson counter, we got to see Clark’s sales skills. And some cute moments. At one point, a few young fans came to the shop, and CC was the sweetest sales clerk.

She asked the kids what they wanted, and with the help of an actual Wilson employee, she got the basketballs, bagged them, and handed them to the young fans with a “Have fun.” Those lucky kids will tell this story to their grandchildren…who, of course, won’t believe it that CC gave them that basketball.

The social media updates are pouring in, showing many young girls in the Fever kit come up to her at the pop-up. The Internet is seeing it live in action, how Clark is inspiring several future athletes…just by being a saleswoman!

Caitlin Clark’s presence at All-Star Weekend is large

In 2023, Amer Sports, the parent company of Wilson Basketball, reported an IPO of $10 billion. It has seen strong financial results in every quarter. One decision that helped was signing Caitlin Clark as an ambassador in May 2024. She joined Michael Jordan in an exclusive club as the only athlete with a full collection under the brand.

Simply put, Caitlin was the theme of their pop-up at the All-Star venue. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t participating. In fact, Clark had more fan interactions outside the main event, as she wasn’t going to play the game. Hats off, Wilson Sport; you guys are marketing geniuses.

Lexie Hull took her roster spot for the game, yet Clark still showed up for practice. Don’t forget, she’s still the team captain. Team Clark’s Sabrina Ionescu, who didn’t get to go head-to-head with her in the three-point contest, said she’s sharing her own injury experience during her second season in the league with Clark.

Fever teammate, Kelsey Mitchell, even said Clark is “going to be coaching.” Even Team Clark’s coach, Sandy Brondello, announced she’s going to let CC run some plays from the bench. So, CC fans, don’t be too disheartened by her absence court. You’ll still get to see her run the plays and shout at players…from the sidelines. It’s a small consolation…but better than nothing. We can live with that.