Caitlin Clark didn’t lace up for the Commissioner’s Cup final, but try telling that to the 12,000 fans packed inside the Target Center. They’ll probably just point to the Fever coaches running around the court. And then will come the playful whispers of “It was all rigged!”. But once the chuckles settle, they’ll sit back, smile, and shake their heads in that wholesome way only true fans do. Because one of the night’s sweetest moments didn’t come from a buzzer-beater, but from the Fever bench, where the coaching staff delivered a gesture so nice, it could’ve used a little timeout just to soak it all in.
Everyone knows how Caitlin Clark’s $28 million endorsement deal with Nike has fallen short of expectations. Fans have been wanting that signature shoe, which was promised when Clark signed the agreement in 2024. But things took a turn for the good this Monday. Not the signature shoe, but at least, Nike dropped Clark’s Kobe 5 Protro PE.
According to several reputable accounts on X, Nike planned to release just 13,000 pairs of the shoes on Monday. And that could only mean one thing! The demand for them was going to be off the charts. A pop-up event even unfolded in Greenwood, IN, where the Nike x Foot Locker Caitlin Clark campaign carried a bold tagline: “Flip the switch. Break the record.” Meanwhile, Kobe x CC-themed trucks were set up outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to advertise the exclusive pair, which also saw massive crowds pull up.
To add to the hype around the release, the Indiana Fever coaching staff made a heartwarming gesture. Once it was clear that Clark’s groin injury would keep her out of the Commissioner’s Cup final, they found a special way to show their support. All 8 coaching staff present at the touchline were seen wearing the new shoes, which hit the stores for $190 and incorporate the Indiana Fever colors. Naturally, fans think they know why the shoes sold out in minutes. After all, even Lexi Hull could be spotted sporting the pair.
Indy’s whole coaching staff is rocking Caitlin Clark’s new Kobe PE pic.twitter.com/MQcrteoc6s
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) July 2, 2025
Jokes aside, anything with Clark’s name on it is bound to sell. Since Nike’s online shelves have been empty, the shoes began showing up on eBay with price tags ranging from $350 to $400. After all, the trailer had already set the stage for the big release.
The ad kicks off with Caitlin Clark sitting quietly before a game, completely locked in. But then comes the show-stealer! The camera zooms in on her eyes, revealing her pupils transforming into snake-like slits – a powerful tribute to Kobe Bryant’s legendary “Black Mamba” persona. The ad wraps up with another striking moment as Clark’s pupils morph into Kobe’s iconic Nike logo, then shift back into those snake-like slits one final time before returning to normal.
Now, some might argue Nike missed an opportunity by limiting the release to just 13,000 pairs. But maybe that was the strategy all along. To create the exclusivity Nike is known for. But while the product was undeniably a major hit, not everyone was thrilled with the trailer that came with it.
Paul Shirley is unhappy with the Caitlin Clark Nike trailer
Clark has been wearing Kobe shoes since her partnership with Nike began. She has become the unofficial face of the Kobe line ever since she set foot in the W. Throughout her rookie season, Clark has been seen sporting several player-exclusive colorways. Normally, these kinds of PEs never hit the shelves. But for Clark? Nike made an exception.
However, Paul Shirley wasn’t impressed with the trailer Nike released this time to mark the occasion. In the ‘Fearless’ podcast hosted by Jason Whitlock, Shirley said, “They’re trying to pass a torch in a way, and make a comparison. It seems really clumsy, to me.” Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the general consensus among the fans regarding the trailer was extremely positive. It had over 600k views on X.
Anyway, for Clark, this is celebration time. She’s officially won the first trophy of her professional career with the Indiana Fever. Hopefully, it’s just the beginning of many more to come. The Fever’s heartfelt gesture toward Clark was duly appreciated by the fans worldwide. What did you think of the gesture? Let us know in the comments below!
The post Indiana Fever Coaching Staff Make $1520 Gesture To Show Support To Injured Caitlin Clark Against Minnesota Lynx In Commissioner’s Cup appeared first on EssentiallySports.