How Caitlin Clark reportedly played a role in Stephen Curry’s shocking Under Armour departure

Everyone wants to deal with Caitlin Clarke, even NBA superstars love Stephen Curry. According to a new report from BloombergUnder Armor's failure to sign Clark played a role in Curry's long-term relationship with the brand deteriorating before finally ending earlier this month.

Curry had been with Under Armor since 2013, prior to his rise to the top of the sport, but the two teams parted ways earlier this month. Curry's stand-alone venture, Curry Brand, will continue independently, and as a sneaker free agent, he will be able to wear sneakers from other brands.

“Under Armor believed in me early in my career and gave me the opportunity to create something much bigger and more impressive than shoes.” Curry said this in a press release.. “I will always be grateful for that.”

Although Under Armor believed in Curry before others, Warriors Star and his team have become “disillusioned” with the company in recent years. Via Bloomberg:

Curry and his advisers were frustrated by what they saw as a lack of investment in the brand, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because details of the relationship are private. Meanwhile, the division's sales have fallen short of the company's and Curry's expectations, sources said.

Part of Curry's frustration reportedly stems from Under Armour's failed attempt to sign Clark when the women's basketball phenom hit the market early last year. Clark eventually signed an eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike that included signature sneakers. Here's Bloomberg again:

One of Curry's sore points was last year's attempt to bring Caitlin Clarke into his brand, according to people familiar with the matter. He and the company pursued the phenomenon, but Under Armor's bid was inferior to the overall value of Nike's bid, the people said. Clark, now a WNBA star, decided to sign with Nike.

After Clark signed with Nike, The Wall Street Journal reported this. corresponding offers she received at that time. While Under Armor's offering was better year-over-year, it was significantly shorter than Nike's.

Caitlin Clark reports proposals for shoe deal

In August, Nike declared Clarke a “celebrity athlete,” unveiled her unique logo and confirmed that her first signature shoe would be released in 2026. Sneaker insider and expert. Nick DePaula told Front Office Sports that the shoes could cost Nike over $100 million. However much Nike ends up making from Clark's sneakers, it will be much more than the $28 million they gave her – not to mention what they will make from the merchandise and Clark's “Player Edition” sneakers.

Under Armour's decision not to go all out to sign Clark – one of the most popular athletes in America with a rabid fan base – seemed short-sighted at the time. Now that Curry is also gone, the situation looks even worse.