Caitlin Clark Nike banner unveiled on side of Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company

Iowa native Caitlin Clark has shown up a little bit of everywhere during her rise to stardom as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and now stellar Indiana Fever point guard.

She has gotten her own comic book, shown up in State Farm advertising and now two of her Nike ads are displayed on Court Avenue in Des Moines.

 

One large banner, which shows her posed in front of the iconic Nike swoosh, now adorns the side of Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company. A second is hung near the brewery.

 

“We’re SO excited to unveil the new Caitlin Clark banner on the side of our building,” the brewery said Thursday on Facebook. “Keep an eye out for special deals starting tomorrow – you won’t want to miss it!”

The banner depicts an advertisement from the “So win” campaign that Nike debuted during Super Bowl LIX, which included the following quote from Clark:

“Athletes move the game forward — whether that’s breaking records, changing how people see the sport or just inspiring the next generation. It’s not just about what happens on the court, but the impact that lasts way beyond it.”

Another quote from Clark the campaign uses addresses the growth of the WNBA.

“The game is evolving because athletes are willing to push boundaries. There’s no one way to be great.”

Nike says the campaign is to combat the narrative that women can’t stand out, can’t have an attitude, can’t deliver, can’t fill stadiums, can’t speak up, can’t flex, can’t make demands, can’t show off and can’t break records.

“As the leading champion of sport for more than five decades, Nike has a starkly different perspective, offering a call to athletes across the globe: Do it anyway — and redefine the expectations of sport along the way,” the brand said.

The billboard’s location has sparked controversy, particularly among fans of Angel Reese, a WNBA player for the Chicago Sky. The billboard is situated just 3.5 miles from the Sky’s Wintrust Arena, intensifying the rivalry between Clark and Reese that began during the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship. This proximity has led to mixed reactions from fans, with some viewing it as provocative.

In response to the billboard, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed concerns about fairness, suggesting that such prominent displays could create disparities among athletes. She emphasized the importance of equitable marketing opportunities for all players to ensure a level playing field within the league.

Despite the controversy, the billboard underscores Clark’s rising prominence in women’s basketball and her significant impact on the sport’s visibility and commercial appeal. Her partnership with Nike, including the development of a signature shoe line, reflects the growing recognition of her influence both on and off the court.