Angel Reese announcement sparks backlash as Caitlin Clark’s sponsor comes under fire

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are two of the most recognisable faces in US sports right now.

Angel Reese Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark fans are demanding Nike ‘pull their finger out’ after Angel Reese announced a multi-year contract extension with Reebok.

The pair are two of the most recognisable faces in US sports right now, with brands understandably desperate to partner up.

After an impressive debut season, Reese was handed an extension to her Reebok partnership – a deal that included the promise of a signature shoe.

Commenting on the deal, Reese said: “I’m extremely excited to let you guys know that we are officially coming out with a Reebok by Angel signature shoe.

“We’ve already kicked off the design process, and it means the world to me to have Reebok’s full support and confidence with this shoe and overall partnership. A signature shoe has always been a dream of mine, and I want all the young girls out there to remember that anything is possible.”

The bespoke shoe is set to be released by Reebok during the 2026 WNBA season, but even though Clark’s current contract with Nike also promises a signature release, fans of the Indiana Fever star are beginning to grow impatient.

That’s because Clark’s £21.5million ($28million) deal with Nike had no time limit on when her shoe was due to come out and so far the release is nowhere to be seen.

And the promise of a timescale on Reese’s release has sparked fury among WNBA fans towards Nike.

RiderFanRob wrote on X: “How is Angel Reese getting a shoe before Caitlin Clark? I get it Reebok vs Nike, but still they need to fix this asap.”

@steve_sherwood commented: “Nike’s utter failure to capitalize on Caitlin Clark’s massive popularity this year is baffling.”

@stillnothawkize added: “The year is 2032. Caitlin Clark has captured her sixth consecutive WNBA mvp and is working on a 5 peat with the Fever. Nike says a shoe prototype will drop in weeks.”

Criticisms are somewhat justified, given Clark-mania reached new levels towards the end of the WNBA season, even though the Fever were dumped out of the playoffs in the opening round.

Clark waltzed her way to the Rookie of the Year award, picking up 66 of the 67 available votes, only missing out on a clean sweep to one singular Reese vote.

Women’s basketball is riding the crest of the wave right now – something Clark has recognised.

Speaking at a Nike event, Clark recently said: “I feel like we are just scratching the surface on what the W[NBA] and women’s basketball can be.”