WNBA star Caitlin Clark is gaining recognition not only for her on-court skills but also for her growing market presence, highlighted by her forthcoming Caitlin Clark Nike signature shoe. Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi publicly endorsed Clark on Wednesday as the deserving athlete for Nike’s next signature sneaker, fueling excitement among fans ahead of the anticipated 2026 launch.

Taurasi Supports Clark as Nike’s Next Signature Athlete

During a recent interview, Diana Taurasi did not hesitate when asked who should receive the WNBA’s next signature sneaker. She immediately named Caitlin Clark, expressing clear support for the Indiana Fever guard. Taurasi noted,

“Yeah, I mean, I know she has some PEs, little colorways, but you can do that on Nike ID. I mean, the next Caitlin shoe should be the next one and you know my kids will be wearing it.”

—Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury Legend

This endorsement comes as Clark navigates her second professional season, which has been limited to just 13 games due to injury. Despite missing time, Clark continues to average 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, demonstrating her value to the Indiana Fever.

Details of Clark’s Nike Deal and Release Plans

In April 2024, Caitlin Clark signed an eight-year contract with Nike worth $28 million, setting a record for the largest deal ever given to a female basketball player. This agreement guarantees Clark a signature shoe line, the creation of a custom logo, and collaborations on marketing and apparel. However, her official signature sneaker has not yet reached retail.

Nike CEO Elliott Hill revealed in January that both Clark’s shoe and logo are in active development, with a typical process duration of about two years. According to reports from Front Office Sports, the debut of Clark’s first signature model is targeted for 2026. Until then, Nike has released two Player Edition (PE) versions featuring Clark’s name on Kobe Protro silhouettes: the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Indiana Fever” in June 2025 and the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Light Armory Blue” during the 2025 holiday season.

Established Signature Shoes Among Other WNBA Stars

Caitlin Clark’s upcoming signature shoe will join an elite group of WNBA players who already have bespoke sneaker lines. Among them:

• A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): Her Nike A’One shoe launched in February 2025, incorporating Cushlon 3.0 foam and a traction pattern redesigned for better grip. The “Pink Aura” colorway sold out swiftly at a $110 price point.
• Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty): Stewart’s Puma Stewie collection, including models 1 through 4, debuted in 2022. These shoes are built for women’s feet, featuring NITROFOAM midsoles and PWRTAPE-reinforced uppers.
• Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty): Nike introduced the Sabrina line in 2023, equipped with React cushioning and Zoom Air forefoot units, followed by the Sabrina 2 release in 2024, both retailing near $130.
• Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): Reebok unveiled Angel Reese’s signature sneaker in July 2025, coinciding with the WNBA All-Star Game. The “Diamond Dust” edition highlights iridescent purple and pink details with Reebok’s Energy Return System cushioning.

Impact and Expectations for Clark’s Signature Shoe

As Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe approaches its 2026 release, her influence in women’s basketball continues to expand beyond her athletic performance. By joining the ranks of current WNBA players with signature models, Clark’s shoe will help solidify her status as a leading figure in the league. With endorsements from legends like Diana Taurasi and a record-breaking contract, Clark’s collaboration with Nike reflects growing recognition of women’s basketball on and off the court.