Go big or go home.
That sports adage could easily describe Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker’s decision to sign WNBA star Caitlin Clark as their first brand partner. The news was released during an event in New York City Wednesday morning.
As part of the partnership, Dick’s and Foot Locker will collaborate with Clark on national and global campaigns; custom promotions supporting her signature footwear, apparel and product lines; retail and digital experiences; fan activations; appearances and community programming.
“Dick’s Sporting Goods was always a stop before the start of any sports season when I was growing up,” said Clark. “Being the first-ever brand partner for both them and Foot Locker is a really special full-circle moment. Both brands have deep roots in sport, basketball and sneaker culture and have strong connections with fans in the U.S. and around the world.”
“We’re excited to partner with Caitlin because we see the same opportunity to build on the energy around basketball and bring more people closer to the game through Dick’s and Foot Locker,” said Ed Stack, executive chairman of Dick’s. “Caitlin has an incredible ability to inspire, and as an athlete whose love of sports extends beyond basketball to golf, football, soccer, baseball, softball and more, she connects with fans across every part of our business. This partnership offers new ways to come together around a shared passion for sport, and the possibilities it creates.”
“Caitlin has had an extraordinary impact on the game of basketball, not only through her talent and star power but through the countless young girls and boys she has inspired to play the sports that they love, stay in the game and become fans of sport,” said Emily Silver, chief marketing, e-commerce and athlete experience officer of Dick’s. “That impact is deeply connected to what we believe at Dick’s: sports can build confidence, create opportunity and change lives. We’re proud to partner with an athlete who is helping a new generation see what’s possible.”
“Caitlin’s influence reaches far beyond the court. She has captivated fans, inspired a new generation and brought new energy to the game,” said Brett O’Brien, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Foot Locker. “Foot Locker has always been the home for basketball, connecting fans with the athletes, products and moments that move the game forward across the globe. Our partnership with Caitlin builds on that commitment, creating new opportunities to bring fans closer to the sport and celebrate the culture surrounding it.”
Clark, who now plays for the Indiana Fever, helped popularize women’s basketball during her college years at the University of Iowa with her three-point shooting skill. She was signed to an NIL deal with Nike in 2022 while she was still in school and, after she turned pro, inked an eight-year, $28 million contract with the company, the largest ever for a women’s basketball player. Her signature shoe, the Nike Caitlin 1, debuted on Oct. 1, along with a small collection of apparel that sports her interlocking CC logo on T-shirts, hoodies, shorts and fleece sweatpants.
