Caitlin Clark signs mega shoe contract, but where are the deals for the Black WNBA players

Caitlin Clark is in talks to ink a deal with Nike for a signature shoe and it’s sparked a discussion about the lack of Black women in the WNBA who have received similar opportunities. While the NBA and WNBA share similar player demographic statistics, with both leagues having a majority of Black players, the distribution of signature sneakers tells a different story.In the NBA, signature sneakers are predominantly worn by Black athletes, reflecting the racial makeup of the league and the popularity of its stars. The NBA is 71.8% Black and 17.4% White. On the other hand, the WNBA is 70% Black and 18.9% White.However, the WNBA, despite having a comparable demographic composition, lacks representation of Black women in the realm of signature footwear.According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the deal between Caitlin Clark and Nike will secure her a substantial sum close to $20 million, trumping her WNBA rookie contract, which stands at $338,056 over four years.As a rookie player, she is set to make $76,535 per year. Clark, like many other WNBA players, will expectedly make the bulk of her earnings through brand endorsements and deals.Currently, the WNBA boasts four White players out of 24 who were All-Stars....