Remember when Jeff Teague wasn’t the biggest Caitlin Clark fan? Well, the tides might be turning! He’s just dropped his honest opinion on Clark’s highly anticipated Nike signature shoe, and it’s making waves. Has the NBA champion finally come around to the WNBA’s biggest star, or is there more to this story?
Former NBA star Jeff Teague, known for his often-provocative commentary on sports, recently offered a candid assessment of Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated Nike signature shoe, marking a notable shift in his public discourse surrounding the WNBA phenom.
Teague, a 2015 NBA All-Star and 2021 NBA champion, initially gained attention as a supporter of Clark. However, his public persona evolved, seemingly leveraging criticism of the Indiana Fever guard to boost engagement and draw attention on social media platforms. This strategic shift led to a series of comments that frequently garnered significant backlash from the women’s basketball community.
A prime example of Teague’s polarizing commentary involved his assertion that the Indiana Fever did not need Clark and that Aliyah Boston was the team’s superior player. These remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many fans perceiving them as an unnecessary slight against Clark in an attempt to elevate another athlete, prompting questions about the motivations behind his statements.
Perhaps in response to the considerable public scrutiny he faced, Teague adopted a more positive tone when the topic of Caitlin Clark resurfaced on his podcast. This change in demeanor coincided with Nike’s monumental announcement on August 25th, revealing their partnership with Clark and confirming the forthcoming release of her signature logo collection and a dedicated signature sneaker line in 2026.
The announcement was delivered via a widely circulated video across Clark’s social media channels, depicting a truck transporting black and white billboards adorned with what is now recognized as her official Nike signature logo. This visual spectacle amplified anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking athletic endorsement in women’s sports.
During an August 26th episode of his show, Teague and his co-hosts watched the Nike reveal video live, sharing their immediate and honest reactions. The consensus among the trio was overwhelmingly positive regarding the design of Clark’s new logo, and they expressed high expectations for Nike to deliver an exceptional and innovative signature sneaker, with co-host DJ Wells emphasizing the pressure on Nike to “make her shoe the best.”
Teague’s more appreciative commentary on the Nike collaboration suggests a potential reevaluation of his past critiques. Whether this shift stems from having learned from previous public outcry or from a pragmatic recognition of the significant investment Nike is making in the women’s basketball star, his latest take highlights the immense pressure on athletic endorsement brands to create truly impactful products for top-tier athletes like Caitlin Clark.
