Story perspectives

Caitlin Clark Signs Record WNBA Shoe Deal Amid Trans Debate

8/4/2026

Summary

Caitlin Clark Deal

Caitlin Clark holds the second-best-selling jersey in all basketball, behind Stephen Curry, and signed the most lucrative shoe deal in WNBA history.
Clark averaged 7.8 assists per game, ranking second in the league.
Bueckers averaged 6.2 assists with two turnovers per game.
Bueckers posted .231 win shares per 48 minutes and contributed over 45% of the Fever’s assists.

Summary

Nakase Supports Trans

Natalie Nakase, WNBA’s first Asian-American coach, said sports must be inclusive and she supports trans women playing, citing past criticism of ethnicity.
Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx coach, wore a “Trans kids belong” T-shirt under jacket at the Fever game and declined to discuss conversation with Sophie Cunningham.
Celeste Keaton, Seattle Storm co-owner, was banned from next five home games after allegedly cursing at two teenage girls with a pro-Cunningham sign.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1996 and launching its inaugural 1997 season with eight teams—including the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks—the WNBA began under NBA commissioner David Stern, drawing 14,284 fans to its first game. Decades later, star guard Caitlin Clark’s endorsement deal and former player-coach Natalie Nakase’s inclusion push echo the league’s original mission to raise visibility for women’s basketball.

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Caitlin Clark Deal

Caitlin Clark holds the second-best-selling jersey in all basketball, behind Stephen Curry, and signed the most lucrative shoe deal in WNBA history.
Clark averaged 7.8 assists per game, ranking second in the league.
Bueckers averaged 6.2 assists with two turnovers per game.
Bueckers posted .231 win shares per 48 minutes and contributed over 45% of the Fever’s assists.

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