Angel Reese Sparks Controversy by Urging Nike Boycott After Caitlin Clark’s $28 Million Deal: “Keep That Same Energy”

 A Bold Call That Sent Shockwaves Through the Sports World

Angel Reese, the star LSU forward and one of the most polarizing figures in women’s college basketball, has never been one to stay silent.

This time, she’s calling out one of the biggest sports brands in the world: Nike. Following the announcement of a $28 million endorsement deal between Nike and Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, Reese took to social media with a fiery message.

Her bold declaration? A call for fans and followers to boycott Nike altogether, citing unfair treatment, bias, and what she describes as hypocrisy in how Black athletes are treated compared to their white counterparts.

Her post, which simply stated “Boycott Nike. Keep that same energy,” ignited immediate backlash and passionate debate.

Was this about money? Race? Respect? Or all of the above?

In this deep-dive, we’ll unpack Angel Reese’s comments, the context surrounding her call for a Nike boycott, Caitlin Clark’s monumental endorsement deal, and how this moment is reshaping conversations around race, gender, and equity in sports marketing.

Caitlin Clark’s Historic Deal with Nike: Breaking Records and Setting a New Standard

On April 1, 2025, Nike announced it had signed Caitlin Clark to an unprecedented $28 million endorsement deal, which includes a signature shoe line, media appearances, and cross-branding opportunities with Jordan Brand and Converse.

The deal instantly made Clark the highest-paid women’s basketball player in the endorsement space and signaled Nike’s full-throttle investment in her future.

Clark, who has broken NCAA scoring records and captivated audiences with her deep three-pointers and fierce competitive spirit, has become the face of college basketball.

The Nike deal was hailed by many as a win for women’s sports and a long-overdue step in elevating female athletes to the same level of commercial appeal as their male counterparts.

“This is a dream come true,” Clark said in a press release. “To partner with Nike in such a big way is an honor. I’m excited to inspire the next generation of hoopers.”

But not everyone was celebrating.

Angel Reese’s Perspective: “They Don’t Respect Us Until They Fear Us”

Reese, known for her expressive on-court celebrations and unapologetic self-confidence, has faced intense scrutiny throughout her career.

After leading LSU to a national title in 2023 and becoming a cultural icon, she found herself both celebrated and criticized for behavior that mirrored what male athletes often receive praise for.

So when news broke about Clark’s record-breaking Nike deal, Reese was quick to respond. Her tweet read:

“So y’all gon’ give her $28M and a shoe deal after calling me every name in the book last year for doing the same things on the court? Boycott Nike. Keep that same energy.”

Reese’s message was about more than just Clark. It tapped into a long-simmering frustration about how Black women athletes are portrayed in the media, treated by sponsors, and supported by fans.

Her call for a boycott wasn’t just a protest—it was a rallying cry for accountability.

The Racial Dynamics in Women’s Sports: A Tale of Two Stars

While both Reese and Clark are undeniably talented, the public response to their respective rise in fame has revealed a stark contrast.

When Reese taunted Clark during the 2023 NCAA championship game with the now-iconic “You Can’t See Me” gesture, she was labeled “classless” and “unsportsmanlike” by some media outlets.

In contrast, Clark had made similar gestures earlier in the tournament and was praised for her swagger and competitive fire.

Reese’s supporters argue that this double standard is emblematic of a broader issue: the racialized lens through which women athletes are viewed.

“We celebrate confidence when it comes in a blonde ponytail,” one commentator said, referring to Clark, “but we demonize it when it comes with long lashes and braids.”

Corporate America and the Question of Equity in Endorsements

Nike has long been seen as a progressive brand, pushing boundaries with campaigns featuring Colin Kaepernick, Serena Williams, and LeBron James.

But Reese’s critique points to a deeper issue: Are Black women athletes truly getting their fair share of the spotlight and investment?

Despite her massive popularity, social media following, and NIL value, Reese has not secured a deal of comparable magnitude to Clark’s.

While she has partnered with brands like Coach, Amazon, and McDonald’s, the Nike snub stung—and she made sure to let the world know.

Public Reaction: Divided, Passionate, and Explosive

The internet exploded in the aftermath of Reese’s post. Some users echoed her sentiments, posting hashtags like #BoycottNike and sharing their own stories of racial bias in the sports world.

Others criticized Reese, accusing her of jealousy and trying to tear down another female athlete.

“Clark earned that deal. She’s the face of women’s basketball right now,” one user tweeted. “This isn’t about race, it’s about performance.”

But Reese’s defenders were just as vocal. “This is about race. It’s always been,” said another. “White athletes get grace and elevation. Black athletes get critique and judgment. Angel Reese is just saying what many of us have felt.”

Media Coverage: Caught in the Crossfire

Sports networks, talk shows, and podcasts seized on the controversy, with segments debating whether Reese had a point or was overreacting.

On ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith weighed in:

“Angel Reese is not wrong. There is a double standard. I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it.

Everyone’s seen it. That doesn’t take away from Caitlin Clark’s greatness, but we can’t ignore the disparities in treatment.”

Others took a different tone. FOX Sports commentator Clay Travis dismissed the controversy:

“This is identity politics bleeding into sports again. Let the best player shine. Caitlin Clark is a generational talent. She earned that deal.”

The Business of Branding: Why Nike Chose Clark

From a business perspective, Caitlin Clark represents a safe, highly marketable investment.

Her style of play, clean image, and crossover appeal to both men and women make her an ideal candidate for a mega-deal.

According to industry insiders, Clark’s deal was months in the making.

She reportedly met with multiple brands before selecting Nike, who saw her as the future face of their women’s basketball division.

Still, critics say Nike should have anticipated the optics of signing one high-profile player while seemingly ignoring another who arguably had a larger cultural impact.

Angel Reese’s Influence: The Power of Platform and Principle

Reese’s willingness to speak out underscores her role as more than just an athlete. She has become a voice for a generation of young women—especially Black women—who feel unseen and undervalued.

Her brand, which includes fashion ventures, TV appearances, and a growing fanbase, shows that she’s already a marketing powerhouse. And her message carries weight.

“You don’t have to agree with Angel Reese to understand the power of what she did,” said cultural critic Jamele Hill.

“She made people uncomfortable, and that’s the first step toward progress.”

What Comes Next?

Nike has not issued a formal response to Reese’s call for a boycott, and it remains to be seen if it will affect sales or brand perception.

However, the controversy has already forced a reckoning within sports marketing circles.

Other companies may now reconsider how they allocate endorsement deals and whether their strategies reflect true diversity and inclusion.

As for Reese, she’s not backing down. In a follow-up interview with The Athletic, she doubled down on her stance:

“It’s not about hating on Caitlin. It’s about the message it sends. When people who look like me do the same things, we get labeled as problems.

When they do it, they get praised. Enough is enough.”
 A Defining Moment in Sports Culture
Angel Reese’s call for a Nike boycott over Caitlin Clark’s $28 million deal is more than just a celebrity feud or endorsement drama. It’s a flashpoint in an ongoing struggle for equity in sports.

Whether or not the boycott gains traction, Reese has succeeded in sparking a necessary conversation.

One about race, representation, and the real cost of inequality in the world of athletics.

Her message to Nike, and to the world, is clear: “Keep that same energy.”

And the world is watching.