There’s something about All-Star Weekend that always feels like a turning point, a moment where celebration meets legacy. For Caitlin Clark, the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend was meant to be the crescendo of her sophomore season. A dazzling display of shot-making, captainship, and home-court glory. Instead, Caitlin Clark watched it all unfold from the sidelines, nursing a groin injury that forced her out of both the 3-point contest and the game itself. Still, even with her jersey folded on the bench, the impact she had on the city and the sport was undeniable.

The buzz started days before tip-off, and it wasn’t about the three-point shootout or who would break the All-Star scoring record. It was about a building — yes, a building. Specifically, the towering JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. Every local knew something big was coming. But when the giant banner was finally revealed, even seasoned Hoosiers paused for a second look. Stretching across the hotel’s entire facade was Caitlin Clark, mid-shot, her jersey #22 on full display, alongside the bold message: “FROM DOWNTOWN IN MY TOWN. WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS.” This wasn’t just a billboard. It was a declaration.

On A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark was asked for her thoughts on the Nike ad takeover of Indianapolis. And her answer came swift, clear, and slightly starstruck. “Everybody knows the ad that goes on the JW Marriott, no matter what time of the year it is, it’s like a really big deal,” she said. “I’ve never seen one that takes over the entire side. So, it’s pretty cool. It’s a little overwhelming, but they did a great job.”Just like that, 23 seconds in, Caitlin let down her guard. It was a rare, unfiltered moment of awe from someone who’s used to being the one others are in awe of.

Although Clark didn’t call out Nike directly, it was obvious: she was feeling the weight of the moment. And the support. According to her, both the city and Nike did an excellent job in creating a welcoming and festive environment not just for the players, but for fans and the community as a whole.“So, it’s just getting started,” she sees this moment as the beginning of something even bigger, both for her career and for women’s basketball in general. This was not just a billboard; it was an endorsement of her city, her impact, and her future.

It’s been a rough ride for Clark this season. She’s missed 11 games already due to a nagging series of injuries, quad, groin, and now a re-aggravated strain that pulled her out of the All-Star spotlight. What was supposed to be a weekend of dominance turned into a coaching debut instead, with Clark playfully drawing up plays, booing her teammates for missing “perfect” looks, and laughing through the chaos.

Beyond the Billboard

Coach Sandy Brondello said before the game, “You know, I will give that coaching hat to her as much as she wants. To be quite honest… we are going to play around with it a little bit. It will be fun.” And it was. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t sting. This was her weekend. The one circled on calendars since the schedule dropped. Her name was on the All-Star rosters. She picked her teammates. She was supposed to own the moment, not watch it happen.

And that’s what made Nike’s move feel different. It wasn’t just promotion, but validation.
In her absence on the hardwood, Clark became “Coach CC,” clipboard and all. She posted photos of her game-day fit on Instagram. Which her boyfriend, Butler assistant coach Connor McCaffery reshared with the caption: “Coach CC!!!!!” Despite the loss, her presence was felt. Aliyah Boston, who’s been stepping up in Clark’s absence, even joked about Clark’s coaching debut: “I mean, did we score the ball? I don’t know. But we did get open, so technically the plays worked.”

Meanwhile, Nike’s massive ad placement wasn’t just an ode to All-Star weekend; it was a preview of what’s coming. Clark’s eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike is the richest sneaker deal in WNBA history. But as of now, fans are still waiting for her first signature shoe. Sure, her Kobe V Protro PEs sold out in minutes. And yes, her Fever-themed pairs are reselling for hundreds of dollars. But it’s the official Clark signature model that has everyone watching the Swoosh closely. According to Front Office Sports, the shoe is now expected in spring 2026.

“They want to get it right,” said top shoe insider Nick DePaula. “I think when Caitlin’s shoe comes out it can be a $150 million business. It could become a top five signature franchise across basketball.” Until then, fans will have to settle for her upcoming Kobe 6 Protro drops in navy and grey Fever colorways, both slated to arrive before the year ends. Still, the question remains: Why promote Clark so heavily now if the product won’t drop for another year?

Simply put, because Nike sees what everyone else already does, Clark’s influence transcends stats, games played, or even current injuries. While the Indiana Fever are 12-11, Clark’s numbers are down from her rookie year, and she’s missed almost half the season. Yet, she’s still the most talked-about player in the league. From playful jabs at Under Armour athletes on Instagram to pushing through pain to make an impact courtside, Clark has stayed present even when she can’t be on the court.