American basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record.
The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and the No.1 overall pick in the WNBA draft is reportedly set to continue her association with Nike by signing a US$28 million ($A43 million) contract that spans eight years and includes a signature shoe.
The new deal would be the richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player.
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After averaging 31.6 points and leading Iowa to a second straight national championship game, Clark was drafted No.1 by the Indiana Fever on April 15. She’ll earn a $US76,000 ($A117,000) salary as a rookie.
She’s been the main driver for the dramatic uptick in women’s basketball interest with her mix of deep three-point shots, flashy thread-the-needle passes and overall court presence.
A women’s basketball-record 18.9 million viewers watched Iowa’s loss to South Carolina in the NCAA title game, and a WNBA-record 2.45 million watched the draft.
Of the Fever’s 40 games this season, 36 will be nationally televised, and ticket sales have skyrocketed around the league.
Her marketability is enhanced by her polished performances in media settings, and her surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” two weeks ago was widely acclaimed and exposed her to an even wider audience.
The reported eight-year contract with Nike shows the sportswear giant’s commitment.
At 22, Clark could play well over a decade in the WNBA and she could be on the US roster for the Olympics in Paris this year, in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane, Australia, in 2032.
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