Nike knew exactly what it was doing. On the biggest stage in American sports, with over 120 million fans watching, it wasn’t just about selling sneakers—it was about making a statement. For the first time in 27 years, the sportswear giant returned to the Super Bowl commercial lineup, and the message was clear: women’s sports aren’t just here to stay; they’re here to win.
The ad itself was a masterclass in defiance, flipping every outdated narrative ever thrown at female athletes. “You can’t be proud. You can’t keep score. You can’t stand out… Whatever you do, you can’t win. So win,” Doechii’s voice commanded as the screen filled with the faces of some of the most dominant women in sports—Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, Jordan Chiles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Alexia Putellas.
It didn’t take long for Caitlin Clark to make it personal. The Iowa superstar, no stranger to doubt and noise, posted her own response after the ad aired, writing, “You’ll be told you can’t do it. So do it anyway✨ @nike.” Simple. Direct. And if you know anything about Clark, you know she meant every word. She’s been doubted before, but she thrives on it. It’s what fuels her.
Her best friend and former Iowa teammate Kate Martin couldn’t hold back either. “Never listen to the haters,” she chimed in—a mantra Clark has carried throughout her career. It’s a skill she’s had to master, tuning out the critics and turning their words into fuel. As the WNBA continues to rise, that skill will only become more valuable. And Nike is making sure the world sees exactly what kind of mentality is leading the charge.
The ad wasn’t just a feel-good moment—it was a serious investment. At an estimated $16 million, three times the length of most Super Bowl commercials, Nike didn’t just dip its toes back in; it went all in. And the response? Immediate and overwhelming.
Clark’s Iowa teammates wasted no time jumping into the conversation. Jada Gyamfi hyped her up: “Babe, you are looking
