Caitlin Clark is no stranger to breaking records, stealing headlines, and making jaws drop. The Indiana Fever star and Rookie of the Year is the WNBA’s latest golden ticket, but apparently, conquering basketball isn’t enough for this phenom. In a move that feels equal parts ambitious and “Of course she’s doing this,” Clark has joined the ownership group behind Cincinnati’s bid for an NWSL expansion team. Yes, you read that right: basketball’s wonder child is stepping into the world of soccer.
If you’re wondering why someone who drains threes with Steph Curry-like ease is now dribbling her way into soccer ownership, the answer is simple: Caitlin Clark is a certified multitasking queen. According to the NWSL Cincinnati bid team, Clark’s involvement is a slam dunk (pun intended) for the city. “Her passion for sport, her commitment to elevating women’s athletics, and her influence as a role model make her a vital part of our bid to bring an NWSL team to life in the Queen City,” the team said in a statement.
Ohio, despite its obsession with sports, somehow still doesn’t have a women’s soccer team. (Seriously, how did that happen?) The closest option is Racing Louisville across the river in Kentucky, which Ohioans likely see as both too far away and, let’s face it, too Kentucky. Clark’s involvement might finally kick-start (another pun intended) a franchise that Cincinnati sports fans can rally behind.
Caitlin Clark: The Deal Magnet
Let’s not pretend this is Clark’s first rodeo when it comes to business ventures. The young star has been a marketer’s dream since her college days, turning the NCAA’s 2021 NIL rule change into her personal gold mine. She inked deals with everyone from Gatorade to Nike, quickly climbing the Mount Rushmore of sports endorsements.
Speaking of Nike, rumor has it that Clark’s multi-year deal with the company is worth eight figures. Yes, eight. Let that sink in while you stare at your $5 coffee wondering if you should’ve practiced free throws more as a kid.
Then there’s her partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods, where she’s set to release a signature collection of limited-edition basketballs. Fun fact: the last athlete to have a signature collection with Wilson was checks notes MICHAEL JORDAN. No pressure, Caitlin. No pressure at all.
“It feels surreal to have my own basketball collection,” Clark said in a press release, probably while casually sinking shots from half-court. “Wilson has been with me across some of the most pivotal moments in my career, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue driving basketball forward alongside them.”
Translation: She’s living the dream, and we’re all just watching.
A Future as Bright as Her Jump Shot
With all this going on, one has to wonder: does Caitlin Clark even sleep? Between winning Rookie of the Year, dominating endorsement deals, and now helping bring an NWSL team to Ohio, she’s redefining what it means to be a professional athlete in 2024.
Some fans might argue that Clark should stick to basketball. But let’s be real—if she decides tomorrow to start a Formula 1 team or launch her own cereal brand, we’d all just nod and say, “Yeah, that tracks.”
As Cincinnati dreams of soccer glory and Clark continues her meteoric rise, one thing is clear: whether it’s on the court, in the boardroom, or somewhere in between, Caitlin Clark is here to win.
And if Ohio finally lands that NWSL team, don’t be surprised if Clark somehow scores the game-winning goal in the first match—because, at this point, why wouldn’t she?
