Caitlin Clark Signs With Wilson, To Design Signature Basketball

Caitlin Clark, the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader and current Indiana Fever player, is poised to experience an unforgettable moment. Imagine a young fan approaching her with one of her signature Wilson basketballs, eagerly requesting an autograph. This interaction promises to be a cherished memory for Clark, as she reflects on her journey and the milestones she has achieved.

“I think it is going to take me a second,” Clark shared after a practice session in Indianapolis. “You just soak it in. In what I’ve been trying to do over the last year, there have been a lot of first and special moments. That will be one. It will be more special for me than for the young fan.”

Caitlin Clark’s Partnership with Wilson: A Celebratory Milestone

Clark’s impressive collegiate career at the University of Iowa culminated in her being selected first overall in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. Since making her regular-season debut on May 14, she and her team have been actively engaging in business ventures, including two significant deals: a signature shoe with Nike and a signature basketball with Wilson, her latest sponsor.

“I think the biggest thing with Wilson is it is a brand I have always had in my life,” Clark remarked. “I grew up with this black and yellow basketball that I dribbled in the driveway all the time. I wore it out constantly dribbling on concrete at the hoop in front of our house.”

A Unique Collaboration: Caitlin Clark and Wilson

The partnership with Wilson is set to produce special-edition basketballs celebrating Clark, alongside an upcoming line of signature basketball styles. Remarkably, Clark will be the only player, besides Michael Jordan, to receive the signature treatment from Wilson. “I feel fortunate and lucky,” she said. “Michael is the best of all time. To see young kids eventually dribbling with my signature [ball], how lucky am I to be part of something like this, to be able to be the first to do this since [Jordan]? I think it puts into perspective how highly thought of Wilson is and what they are doing and the basketballs they are creating.”

Connecting with the Younger Generation

More than anything, Clark is excited about connecting with younger fans through her designs. When she starts on her signature basketball designs, she will focus on elements she is passionate about and that resonate with a broad audience.

“I want to create something that captures the joy of basketball and just how much fun it is to play,” she explained. “Those have been two constants for me, and it’s something I hope I can share with everyone.”

A Personal Touch: Caitlin Clark’s Creative Influence

Clark’s involvement in the design process is significant. “The coolest part,” she noted, “is I get to have final say on things.” This level of control ensures that the products truly reflect her personality and style.

Alongside the signature basketball, Clark will provide feedback on a range of Wilson basketball products. The brand plans to release collections at varying price points throughout 2024, celebrating Clark’s career. The first collection will feature a classic white and gold WNBA ball with personalized laser engravings commemorating iconic moments from Clark’s journey.

Supporting the Caitlin Clark Foundation

As part of her deal with Wilson, the brand will support the Caitlin Clark Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of youth through education, nutrition, and sport. “I think it shows that this is a true partnership,” Clark said. “I want to give back to the people and communities that have supported me along the way, and I am grateful to Wilson for being part of that impact.”

Caitlin Clark: A Cultural Icon and Business Savvy Athlete

Amanda Lamb, Wilson’s global head of brand, praised Clark: “Caitlin Clark is not just a record-setting athlete, but a cultural icon who has had a profound impact on the game. We couldn’t be prouder to join forces with her to continue innovating basketball both on and off the court.”

Clark’s venture into the business world is not new. During her time at Iowa, she secured lucrative NIL deals and majored in marketing. “I’m a business major. I know what I am doing,” she said confidently about managing her sponsorship opportunities. “I get real-world experience every single day, more than anything I could do in school. I have been learning on the fly.”

Navigating Sponsorships and Focus on Basketball

Clark credits her supportive team for helping her navigate the complexities of her decisions and deals, allowing her to focus on basketball. This focus will soon extend to designing a Wilson basketball, an exciting next step in her partnership with the brand.

The collaboration with Wilson represents a significant milestone in Caitlin Clark’s career, blending her athletic achievements with her business acumen. As she continues to inspire the next generation of basketball players, her influence both on and off the court is undeniable.