Nike is sidelining Caitlin Clark's new shoes in favor of Aja Wilson

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   Lone Wolf Primeposted 7 months ago

   According to various sources, Nike was originally planning to launch a new line of shoes for WNBA rookie sensation, Caitlin Clark, who's been setting records not just in viewership ratings and audience attendance at stadiums, but she's been setting various records on the court this year as well.  In fact, some would argue that she's had one of the best rookie seasons in the history of the WNBA.  Her jersey sales alone have outsold the entire Dallas Cowboys' jersey sales from last year.  Her signature basketball for Wilson basketball company sold out within minutes of it's launch online.  To say that Caitlin is the most marketable player in the WNBA would be an understatement.  But in spite of all of that, Nike has decided to postpone Caitlin's shoe line in favor of rushing out Aja's signature shoes.  Aja Wilson is a multiple MVP winner in the league, and she's won multiple championships.  Aja Wilson is also regarded as the best WNBA player in the league right now, but she's not really that known to most people.   
   
   However, Aja and others have pointed out the hypocrisy and criticized Nike if they put out Caitlin's shoes first.  And due to the backlash over accusations of racism allegedly, Nike seems to be wanting to put out Aja's shoes first citing how Caitlin is too controversial according to some sources.   I personally did have issues with this because from a marketing perspective, it doesn't make sense.  I'm not here to disrespect Aja Wilson.  Give that woman her flowers.  She's the best female basketball player.  May she win another ring blah blah.  No disrespect, but she's a nobody to most people.  And from a marketing perspective, it would've made more sense to prioritize Caitlin's shoes first.  But after talking to a few people about this, they brought up the point that Nike's key demographic is primarily African Americans in the US, and they probably don't want to put out a shoe line that will divide their demographic.  After hearing this argument, I would have to concur as I never saw it that way until it was pointed out to me.  But what do you think?  Is Nike making the right choice?  Or do you think they should be giving Caitlin her shoe line first before Aja?

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