When EssentiallySports landed in Indiana, one thing struck the mind: what happens when the All-Star Weekend loses its shining star? That’s what we found out now that we know Caitlin Clark isn’t playing. Cathy Engelbert played a smart but risky gambit by placing the ASW festivities in Indiana. “From downtown in my hometown” was a brilliant idea, but a simple groin injury might lead to a big-time flop for Nike and the W… Or, it might end up teaching the fans that the weekend isn’t just about one person; we’re here to celebrate the vast pool of talent that the league has.
Even though Clark might not be taking the court but sidelines as a ‘coach’ during the All-Star Weekend, Nike made sure that the world knew “the floor is ours”. The shoewear and apparel company responded to this time of adversity by dropping a heartwarming edit of the All-Star game rooted in the heart of Indiana. It featured Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, and the lively city of Indianapolis in a masterfully edited video.
This was an incredible initiative by Nike to draw the public’s focus towards all the fun this weekend will hold, rather than lingering on Caitlin Clark’s unavailability. After all, this event is very important for Nike. The company is taking a keen interest in the meteoric rise of women’s sports and is looking to bridge the gap and make a dominating and one-sided presence in the market. Their “Everybody watches the WNBA” campaign is going strong, and they’re determined to draw attention to the star-studded event.
Nike with the fire WNBA All-Star Indy edit featuring Caitlin Clark and their other athletes pic.twitter.com/vupwhVEfrr
— Claire: Caitlin Clark Style (@caitlinclarksty) July 18, 2025
And let’s be honest, the W needs all the help that they can get after CC’s injury. After all, Clark was responsible for over a quarter of the WNBA’s economic activity in 2025, and this year? Economists like Ryan Brewer believe the Indiana Fever star could drive almost a billion dollars in revenue for the league. But after repeated run-ins with injury, the WNBA is left covering its bases. Luckily, Nike is here to help, and they’ve even partnered up with FootLocker to bring some exciting news for WNBA fans ahead of the All-Star Weekend!
Caitlin Clark’s shoe sponsor, along with FootLocker, makes big moves ahead of All-Star Weekend
As the EssentiallySports team started reporting from the ground, it was visible on the streets that Nike is taking the onus on itself to bring some insane hype for the All-Star Weekend. Their star athlete can’t play, but that doesn’t mean they’ve abandoned all their plans. On the contrary, they have some exciting things lined up for Friday and Saturday that we just can’t wait to witness! Nike’s shift towards women’s sports this year has never been more noticeable than right now.
So, to start things off, Nike unveiled three special colorways for three special shoes ahead of the All-Star Weekend. The Sabrina 3s, the A’Ones, and Nike’s Kobe line have all been given some fresh looks and colors that match the WNBA orange, and will be up for sale starting this Friday.
Not only that, but Nike is collaborating with Foot Locker to bring an immersive experience to the ASW. On Friday and Saturday, between 10 AM and 6 PM, fans can step into ‘The Clinic’. According to the poster, it is an immersive “Hardwood House pop-up” featuring limited-edition Nike signature sneakers and gear.
Feb 25, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) in action while wearing Nike Sabrina 1 shoes during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Fans will get the chance to customize their own Air Force 1 sneakers, potentially meet some big names, and enjoy the community gathering ahead of the special WNBA event. There will be a live DJ set, gallery displays, photo booths, and a lot more!
The effort that Nike is putting in is truly commendable. It also shows the love they are propagating for women’s sports and development as well. Their “So Win” campaign wasn’t just for show, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us as the weekend progresses. Look forward to seeing some big Nike athletes, some special moments, and some great shoes during this All-Star Weekend. Stay tuned as we bring everything live from Gainbridge Fieldhouse!
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