Chicago Sky star Angel Reese recently became the center of controversy after her performance at the Super Bowl. The event led to many comparisons between her and Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark, especially after Nike launched a $28 million advertising campaign with Clark, including placing a billboard near Reese’s home stadium. Although both players have expressed mutual respect for each other, their rivalry has attracted a lot of public and media attention.

‘Unnecessary and embarrassing’ – Nike provoke Angel Reese fans with $28 million Caitlin Clark campaign

Nike have entered enemy territory.

The shoe-giants unveiled its latest Caitlin Clark campaign and the location of one its billboard has caused controversy on social media.

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Billboards of Clark have been placed in ChicagoCredit: @ericaf455 via X
Fans have to wait a while for the first big Clark Nike campaign since the WNBA star signed a eight-year $28 million contract with $108 billion company in April 2024.

So with the growth of women’s basketball over the last year, Nike have now capitalised on Clark’s marketability by using her in their latest campaign.

The Oregon based company broke a 27-year hiatus from the Super Bowl ads by airing a commercial staring the Fever guard during the event.

Nike last aired a Super Bowl ad in 1998, featuring San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson and other athletes playing sports in the nude.

Following up on their Super Bowl ads, Nike have also placed billboards in cities across America.

One billboard is in Chicago at 157 W. Chicago Ave, the ad is 3½ miles away from Wintrust Arena, home to the Chicago Sky and Clark’s rival, Angel Reese.

The placement of the campaign has sparked reaction from fans as it is one thing it being in Chicago but it has taken up real estate just minutes away from where Reese will play basketball later this year.

“Unnecessary and embarrassing,” one fan wrote on X, not happy with Nike’s provocative decision.