Dave Portnoy Slams Caitlin Clark’s Nike Deal, Calls $28 Million “A Steal”
Boston — Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool Sports, is once again defending former Iowa guard Caitlin Clark amid heated debate over her reported $28 million deal with Nike. Portnoy didn’t mince words, insisting the basketball star is “getting screwed” despite the eye-popping figure, arguing that her true market value is far higher.
Clark, selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in last week’s WNBA Draft, officially ended her historic collegiate career. The 22-year-old averaged an astounding 31.6 points per game last season, leading Iowa to its second consecutive national championship final. Her transition to the professional ranks quickly drew the attention of several sportswear giants. According to the Wall Street Journal, Clark considered offers from Under Armour and Adidas worth $16 million and $6 million over four years, respectively, before ultimately signing an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike.
Portnoy, however, calls that deal insufficient. “If people want to complain about Caitlin Clark getting screwed, complain about this. Eight years, $28 million deal is STEALING,” he wrote on X, Barstool Sports’ primary social platform. In follow-up posts, he argued that a fair valuation for Clark would be closer to $80 million over the same period, while also suggesting that the contract should include an early opt-out option if Nike fails to pay her as she exceeds expectations.
Portnoy’s argument comes amid broader conversations about the economics of women’s professional basketball. While some critics argue that the market for female athletes’ signature shoes is limited, Portnoy pushed back, noting that male fans would buy Clark’s sneakers and that young female players would follow suit. “Devin Booker got 5 years, $50 million. Caitlin is 100x the star and impact,” he asserted, emphasizing her influence on the court and potential to expand the market.
This isn’t the first time Portnoy has publicly supported Clark. During an appearance on Fox Business’ “Varney & Co.,” he criticized the WNBA’s salary structure for draft picks, calling it “low” and based on the league’s historical financial limitations rather than the players’ potential. According to reports, Clark is set to earn $76,535 in 2024, increasing to $97,582 by 2027 under a four-year, $338,056 WNBA contract with Indiana. Portnoy attributes these modest earnings to the league’s past lack of visibility and financial traction.
“I’m pretty sure that up to this point, the WNBA is a losing proposition,” he explained. “The NBA is very lucrative. Women working for a company making no money have less leverage to demand a bigger share. Hopefully that changes. Hopefully Caitlin Clark changes it, but it’s all supply and demand. She’s bringing the demand, so we’ll see if it changes.”
Despite his criticism of her team salary, Portnoy is confident Clark will thrive financially through endorsements. “I love Caitlin Clark. She’s going to make hundreds of millions of dollars in endorsements,” he said, citing potential deals with Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm. “Yeah, her salary for the team is low, but she’s going to be one of these premier athletes, like Tiger Woods for men or Serena Williams for women. She’s going to make plenty of money.”
Portnoy’s vocal defense underscores the ongoing debate over the valuation of female athletes in professional sports, with Clark’s Nike deal serving as the latest flashpoint. As her career begins in the WNBA, all eyes will be on whether her off-court earnings and on-court dominance will finally shift perceptions — and Portnoy is making it clear he won’t hesitate to weigh in.
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