In a stunning development that has rocked the women’s basketball world and ignited a firestorm across social media, WNBA star Angel Reese has publicly called for a massive boycott of Nike. The controversy stems from Nike’s recent $28 million endorsement deal with Indiana Fever rookie and NCAA all-time scoring leader Caitlin Clark—an agreement that has angered many of Reese’s supporters, especially after the brand prominently featured posters of Clark throughout Chicago, where Reese is now a rookie forward for the Chicago Sky.
The decision by Nike to go all-in on Clark, coupled with its perceived neglect of Reese—a cultural icon and one of the most influential figures in women’s sports—has fueled accusations of favoritism, racial bias, and corporate tone-deafness. Reese’s boycott call is more than just a personal statement—it’s a rallying cry that could shift the power dynamics in the increasingly lucrative world of women’s sports endorsements.
The Flashpoint: Nike’s Caitlin Clark Deal and Chicago Poster Campaign
Nike made headlines earlier this month when it announced that Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeyes phenom, had signed a historic eight-year, $28 million deal with the athletic giant, including her own signature shoe line. The deal immediately set a new bar for WNBA rookie endorsements and positioned Clark as the face of Nike’s women’s basketball division.
Shortly after the announcement, fans in Chicago noticed giant Nike billboards and posters featuring Clark’s likeness plastered across various neighborhoods, including high-traffic areas in downtown Chicago. For many Sky fans, it was an insult. Why, they asked, would Nike promote an Indiana Fever player in the home city of Angel Reese—especially when Reese has become a symbol of pride and power for young Black women, especially in urban communities?
The backlash was swift and ferocious.
Angel Reese Speaks Out: “Enough is Enough”
Angel Reese, who rose to national fame after leading LSU to a national championship in 2023 and becoming a pop culture icon, didn’t stay silent. On Friday afternoon, Reese posted a strongly worded message to her 3.5 million Instagram followers and 2.7 million X (formerly Twitter) followers:
“It’s not about hate. It’s about respect. You don’t get to erase Black women and use our culture to sell shoes. We’ve been the trendsetters, the face of the game, and STILL get sidelined. Chicago deserves better. I stand with my fans. I won’t wear Nike again. BOYCOTT.”
The post was accompanied by a photo of her wearing custom Reebok sneakers and using the hashtags #SupportBlackWomen, #BoycottNike, and #AngelReeseDeservesMore. Within an hour, the post had more than 1 million likes and 500,000 reposts. The message reverberated across the sports world, drawing support from WNBA players, cultural influencers, and activists.
Fans and Celebrities Join the Boycott
Social media erupted with messages of solidarity. Teammates from the Chicago Sky, including Kamilla Cardoso and Dana Evans, expressed their support for Reese. Former WNBA MVPs like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes posted cryptic messages interpreted as backing Reese’s stand.
Cultural figures like Janelle Monáe, Gabrielle Union, and Jemele Hill weighed in:
“Angel Reese is standing on PRINCIPLE. Don’t let them monetize our image and silence our voices. We see you, sis.” – Jemele Hill on X.
Boycott calls grew louder, with trending hashtags like #BoycottNike and #NikeDisrespectsBlackWomen dominating platforms like TikTok and Threads. Fans posted videos of themselves discarding Nike gear, while some small businesses vowed to pull Nike merchandise off their shelves in support of Reese.
The Broader Context: Race, Respect, and Representation
Reese’s criticism of Nike is more than just about ad campaigns. It taps into a broader and ongoing conversation about how Black female athletes are treated in corporate America. Despite her immense popularity, accolades, and influence, Reese has often been scrutinized in ways that white athletes like Clark have not.
For example, during the 2023 NCAA tournament, Reese was heavily criticized for her on-court gestures—even though Clark had made similar gestures earlier in the tournament. Many observers noted a racial double standard in how the media framed their respective actions.
This latest episode with Nike has been interpreted by many as yet another example of those double standards. While Clark is undoubtedly a transcendent player with a massive following, critics say Reese has been systematically overlooked by companies like Nike despite her massive appeal, charisma, and championship pedigree.
Nike Responds — But Only Adds Fuel to the Fire
Amid the escalating backlash, Nike released a brief statement:
“Nike has long supported women’s basketball and is proud to work with athletes from all backgrounds. Caitlin Clark represents a new chapter of the game, and we’re excited about her future. We continue to explore future partnerships with many talented athletes, including Angel Reese.”
The response was widely panned as vague and dismissive.
“‘Explore future partnerships’? That’s a cop-out,” said ESPN commentator Monica McNutt. “Angel Reese isn’t a prospect. She’s already arrived. She’s one of the most visible, marketable players in the world, and you’re telling me you’re still ‘exploring’ her worth?”
The backlash has since intensified, with calls for Nike to issue a formal apology and reexamine its marketing strategies.
Corporate Fallout: What This Means for Nike
Nike’s brand has long prided itself on being at the intersection of sports and culture. From partnering with Michael Jordan to championing Colin Kaepernick, Nike has positioned itself as a progressive brand. But this episode has exposed a serious blind spot.
Marketing analysts say this controversy could have real financial consequences.
“This is not just a PR hit—it’s a market loss,” said Karen Mitchell, a brand strategist and founder of Elevate Sports Culture. “You’re alienating a key demographic that has supported your brand for decades. Angel Reese represents the culture. If she says ‘boycott,’ people will listen.”
Meanwhile, rival brands are already capitalizing. Reebok, which recently signed Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson to executive roles, reposted Reese’s boycott message and hinted at a potential partnership. Puma and Adidas have also reportedly reached out to Reese’s camp.
Rewriting the Rules of Endorsements
Reese’s stand marks a turning point in the evolution of athlete empowerment, particularly in women’s sports. For decades, top-tier endorsements were limited to a select few. Now, with the rise of social media influence, NIL deals, and cultural capital, players like Reese are shifting the paradigm.
This isn’t just about who scores the most points or wins the most awards. It’s about who sets trends, moves markets, and commands loyalty.
“Angel Reese is not a side character in Caitlin Clark’s story,” said activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham. “She IS the story. She reflects a generation of young Black women who are unapologetic, powerful, and fed up with being sidelined.”
What’s Next for Angel Reese?
As Reese continues her rookie WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, her influence is likely to grow. Early ticket sales have spiked in Chicago, and Reese jerseys are reportedly among the top sellers in the league. Her call for a boycott is likely to amplify her platform, not shrink it.
She’s also gaining leverage. If she signs a shoe deal with another brand in the wake of the Nike controversy, it could further shift endorsement power dynamics in women’s sports.
“She has the world watching,” said Candace Parker on NBA on TNT. “And she’s not afraid to use her voice. That’s what leaders do.”
Final Thoughts
Angel Reese’s boycott of Nike is about much more than a contract or a poster. It’s about respect, recognition, and the refusal to be marginalized in a sport—and a society—that often elevates some while overlooking others.
As the WNBA season heats up and the spotlight on women’s sports intensifies, this moment could serve as a defining chapter—not just in Reese’s career, but in the evolving relationship between Black female athletes and the brands that seek to profit from their excellence.
