Caitlin Clark signs as first-ever brand partner with Dick's and Foot Locker

Caitlin Clark has signed a multiyear deal with Dick's Sporting Goods and Foot Locker. The deal marks the first time either brand has signed an individual athlete, man or woman, as a partner.

As part of the partnership with the sports retailers, Clark will work with both brands on custom promotions to support her signature footwear, apparel and product lines. She will also be involved in activations and community events.

The new deal follows the Oct. 1 global release of Nike and Clark's first signature shoe, which was the largest women's signature shoe launch in the company's history. The release also included an 18-piece apparel assortment.

The shoe has received widespread acclaim and drawn strong consumer demand, with inventory selling out within hours on Nike.com and other sneaker retail sites.

Clark pointed to the brands' deep roots in sport and basketball and their ability to connect with fans all over the world.

"Dick's Sporting Goods was always a stop before the start of any sports season when I was growing up," Clark said in a statement. "Being the first ever brand partner for both them and Foot Locker is a really special full-circle moment. "

The Clark partnership also marks the first joint athlete partnership between Dick's and Foot Locker under Dick's Inc. Both Dick's Sporting Goods and Foot Locker have previously worked with athletes on marketing campaigns, in-store events, and other ventures but never at the brand level.

Dick's CEO Ed Stack said he looks forward to building on the energy that Clark has brought to playing basketball and winning new fans.

"This partnership offers new ways to come together around a shared passion for sport, and the possibilities it creates," he said in a statement.

Clark remains one of the WNBA's biggest stars, even after the Indiana Fever's first-round elimination from the WNBA playoffs. She has yet to win a title.

A recently released marketability ranking by SportsPro finds Clark is the most marketable player in the WNBA today and the No. 15 most marketable athlete worldwide.

Clark has long-term endorsement deals with several other major brands including Nike, Wilson, Gatorade, State Farm and Panini.

"Caitlin's influence reaches far beyond the court. She has captivated fans, inspired a new generation, and brought new energy to the game," said Brett O'Brien, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Foot Locker North America.