Welcome back to Black and White Sports, where we give you the unfiltered truth about sports! Today, we’re diving into the latest drama surrounding Caitlin Clark’s marketability, with former NBA player Jim Jackson weighing in and shedding some light on why Caitlin Clark is capturing the spotlight in ways other WNBA stars just aren’t.

Let’s start with Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated Nike shoe, which continues to elude fans. If you’ve been waiting for this sneaker to drop, prepare for a long wait because it seems Nike won’t be releasing it until 2026! Yes, you heard that right—2026. Fans are in disbelief, and Nike is facing some serious heat for this long delay. Many are scratching their heads wondering why it’s taking so long, especially given Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in popularity.

Now, let’s talk about Jim Jackson. The former NBA player, known for his time with the Dallas Mavericks, has dropped some truth bombs that aren’t going to sit well with some WNBA fans. Jackson points out the simple reality: Caitlin Clark is more marketable than many of the other top WNBA stars, including A’ja Wilson. His argument? Caitlin Clark has something special that resonates with fans far and wide, and that’s what makes her stand out.

Jackson draws a comparison to the likes of Steph Curry and Michael Jordan, stating that Caitlin Clark has the shooting ability of Steph Curry, the passing skills of Magic Johnson, and the marketing power of Michael Jordan. Whether it’s her unique style of play or her undeniable connection with fans, Caitlin Clark has become one of the most marketable athletes in the world—something other WNBA players struggle to replicate.

While some may argue that A’ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA, Jackson makes the case that Caitlin Clark’s appeal goes beyond just basketball. It’s her marketability and star power that has elevated her to new heights. The ratings are proof—Caitlin Clark’s games are drawing three to four times the viewership of A’ja Wilson’s, and that says a lot about the appeal of Clark’s game both on and off the court.

However, Jackson isn’t just criticizing the WNBA’s marketing efforts. He also takes aim at Nike, accusing them of dragging their feet on releasing Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe. The delay is baffling, especially considering how much potential there is for her brand. Jackson believes that Nike is stuck in a tough spot, trying to balance their partnerships with established WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson, while also capitalizing on Caitlin Clark’s rising star power. But fans aren’t happy with the wait, and many believe it’s a huge missed opportunity.

To make matters worse, it has been reported that Caitlin Clark’s Nike shoe won’t even drop until 2026—far later than many expected. Fans are outraged and questioning why it’s taking so long. Some are even blaming Nike’s indecision on the controversy surrounding A’ja Wilson, noting that the brand may be hesitant to release Caitlin Clark’s shoe to avoid further drama in the WNBA.

It’s clear that Caitlin Clark is one of the most marketable athletes in sports right now, and yet Nike seems to be missing the boat. Many fans believe that she should have her own brand deal similar to the one Michael Jordan has, and that her signature shoe should be out by now. Instead, she’s locked into an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike, which many feel is a missed opportunity for both Clark and the brand.

In the end, Caitlin Clark’s marketability is undeniable. Whether it’s her impressive on-court skills or the way she resonates with fans across the country, she’s quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in sports. The question now is whether Nike and the WNBA will fully capitalize onher potential—or continue to drag their feet.

What do you think? Is Nike missing the mark with Caitlin Clark? And do you agree with Jim Jackson’s assessment of her marketability? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!