In a dramatic turn of events that has stirred up tensions across the women’s basketball world, Angel Reese, star forward for the Chicago Sky, has openly called for a boycott of Nike after the company signed Iowa legend Caitlin Clark to a record-breaking $28 million endorsement deal. The move comes in the wake of a massive billboard in downtown Chicago celebrating Clark — a display that Reese and her supporters are calling a direct slight in what she considers “her city.”

The controversy exploded on social media after Nike unveiled its latest campaign featuring Caitlin Clark, which includes a towering digital billboard in Chicago’s downtown core. The image shows Clark, dressed in Nike gear, with the bold tagline: “The Future is Now.” Though the ad was likely intended to promote the growth of women’s sports, it struck a nerve with Reese, who saw it as more than just clever marketing.

“They make it clear who they want to push,” Reese wrote in a post that quickly went viral. “It’s always been bigger than basketball. But keep that same energy when we stop supporting.”

A Call to Action

Reese didn’t stop at a social media outburst — she doubled down in an interview after a recent Sky practice, stating:

“We’ve been doing the work, we’ve been selling out arenas, we’ve been breaking barriers. And now they want to act like it started with her? It’s disrespectful to the game and to the women who paved the way.”

She called on fans, especially those in Chicago and the broader WNBA community, to think twice before spending money on Nike products. “There are other brands that support us equally,” she added.

Her comments sparked an immediate wave of reactions across the basketball community. Supporters of Reese applauded her for standing up to what they viewed as a clear bias in marketing and endorsement priorities. Critics, however, accused her of turning a business decision into a personal rivalry.

The Clark-Reese Rivalry: Bigger Than Basketball?

Reese and Clark have been linked ever since their iconic face-off in the 2023 NCAA championship game, a match that drew record viewership and put women’s college basketball on the national map like never before. Their dynamic has been framed by some as the modern-day Bird vs. Magic — both supremely talented, charismatic, and fiercely competitive.

But for Reese, the issue seems to go beyond the court. The outrage isn’t just about who gets the biggest paycheck; it’s about who gets positioned as the face of the sport.

“This is what happens when narratives are controlled,” said one Reese supporter on X (formerly Twitter). “Angel Reese is unapologetically Black, confident, and outspoken. And that makes some people uncomfortable. So instead of supporting her, they market someone ‘safer’.”

Nike Responds — Carefully

As the firestorm gained traction, Nike released a brief statement:

“We are proud to support a diverse group of athletes who represent the future of sports. Caitlin Clark is an exceptional talent and her partnership with Nike is part of our ongoing commitment to elevating women’s basketball.”

So far, Nike has made no public comment regarding Reese’s boycott call or the billboard placement in Chicago.

What’s Next?

Reese has not announced any plans to sign with a competing brand, but industry insiders say there may be growing interest from companies like Puma, Adidas, and even Under Armour, who could see this as an opportunity to align with an athlete who resonates with younger, socially-conscious fans.

In the meantime, Reese continues to speak her truth, unapologetically. “I’ve always said I’d rather lose everything than stay silent. I know my worth, and I know the fans do too.”

Whether this moment marks a major shift in athlete activism, brand loyalty, or the future of women’s sports endorsements remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Angel Reese has once again made it clear that she won’t be overlooked — and she’s not afraid to call out the game when it’s rigged.