One is the face of a new generation. The other is a reigning champion. But the sneaker sales don’t lie — and the numbers just ignited a WNBA firestorm online.

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Caitlin Clark is breaking records again — but this time, it’s not on the court.

The Indiana Fever rookie’s much-anticipated signature sneaker launched online this morning and sold out in just 60 seconds, leaving fans scrambling and resellers flipping pairs for over 5x the retail price.

Meanwhile, in a twist no one saw coming (or maybe everyone did), A’ja Wilson’s latest sneaker release quietly landed in clearance sections at multiple major retailers — with some sizes going for 50% off just days after launch.

And now? The WNBA is buzzing — not about basketball, but about branding, fan power, and one question echoing across social media:

“Is Caitlin Clark the new queen of the league — and is A’ja being left behind?”

THE SHOE THAT STARTED A STORM

Clark’s debut sneaker — a sleek, high-performance collaboration with Nike called the “Clark Ice 1” — launched at exactly 10:00 AM EST. By 10:01, the website crashed. By 10:05, resale sites were flooded.

Fans posted screenshots showing “SOLD OUT” in less than a minute. Some pairs that retailed for $120 are now being flipped for as high as $700.

“I had it in my cart, clicked checkout, and it was GONE,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Nike later confirmed:

“The demand for Caitlin Clark’s debut signature shoe exceeded all expectations globally.”

AND THEN… THE A’JA WILSON COMPARISON BEGAN

On the same week Clark’s sneaker made history, fans noticed that A’ja Wilson’s latest model — the “A’ja Pro 2” — was quietly marked down at multiple outlets.

Originally priced at $130

Now seen on sale for as low as $59.99

Retailers reportedly “adjusting inventory due to overstock”

It didn’t take long for side-by-side memes, savage tweets, and fan debates to erupt:

💬 “Caitlin’s shoe sold out in seconds. A’ja’s got a BOGO deal.”
💬 “This isn’t about skill. It’s about star power. And Clark’s got it.”
💬 “How is the reigning MVP being outsold by a rookie?!”

A’JA’S FANS FIGHT BACK

While sneaker sales can be influenced by marketing and media hype, Wilson’s fans weren’t having it.

They pointed out:

Wilson has multiple championships and MVPs

She’s been consistently dominant for years

Clark is benefitting from a media machine focused on her whiteness and viral appeal

One viral tweet read:

“A’ja wins. Caitlin trends. That’s the difference.”

Others called out Nike and WNBA media bias, accusing companies of overhyping Clark while undervaluing proven Black athletes like Wilson.

“It’s not just shoes — it’s systemic,” one user posted.
“They market Clark like she’s a savior. Meanwhile A’ja’s out here being the best player on the planet.”

CAITLIN CLARK: SILENT BUT WINNING

Interestingly, Caitlin Clark has stayed completely silent on the sneaker drama.

But her fans are louder than ever, and brands are doubling down on her market power.

Her sneaker launch follows a string of commercial wins:

Leading WNBA in jersey sales

Breaking attendance and viewership records

Headlining ads for Gatorade, State Farm, and now Nike

Marketing experts say Clark is no longer just an athlete — she’s a brand unto herself.

“She’s not replacing A’ja,” said sports analyst Lenny Raymond.
“She’s creating a new empire. And that’s what scares people.”

WILL THE LEAGUE ADDRESS THE RIFT?

As the sneaker debate rages on, some worry that the growing divide between fanbases is hurting the league more than helping.

The WNBA is in a delicate place — trying to grow its reach while balancing longtime stars with fresh faces.

“We can celebrate both,” said Candace Parker in a recent podcast.
“A’ja built the foundation. Caitlin’s opening the doors. Let’s not pit queens against each other.”

BOTTOM LINE:

Caitlin Clark’s shoe sold out in under 60 seconds

A’ja Wilson’s is hitting the clearance rack

And the WNBA just became the battleground for the sneaker war no one expected

The stats are real.
The tension is rising.
And the future of the league may depend on whether its stars — and fans — can share the spotlight.