Ex-Nike exec: Clark deserved Jordan-type sneaker deal

Former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro believes Caitlin Clark deserves a more lucrative sneaker deal than the one she inked with the Swoosh.

Vaccaro, who signed Michael Jordan to his first Nike contract in 1984, told TMZ Sports that Clark should've received a similar deal that not only paid her more annually but also gave her a share of every Clark-branded item sold.

"She should have gotten a piece of everything, just like Michael Jordan," the 84-year-old Vaccaro said.

Jordan's initial Nike deal was worth a then-record $2.5 million over five years, plus royalties.

Clark, the all-time leader scorer in NCAA Division I history and No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, reportedly signed an eight-year, $28-million contract with Nike that includes a signature shoe. The deal would be the richest sponsorship contract for a women's basketball player.

Vaccaro places the blame on Clark's representatives and other shoe companies who withdrew from the race.

"I'm saying to you, they messed up," he said. "They should have held on to the last drop."

Clark will make her WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever on May 3 against the Dallas Wings.