Nike Airs First Super Bowl Ad in 27 Years Featuring Caitlin Clark and Other Female Athletes
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For the first time in over two decades, Nike has returned to the Super Bowl advertising stage with a 90-second commercial spotlighting some of the world's most dominant female athletes. The sportswear giant’s latest campaign features WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark alongside a powerhouse roster that includes A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, and track icon Sha’Carri Richardson.
Nike’s ad takes a defiant tone, pushing back against the outdated limitations imposed on women in sports. As these elite athletes are shown competing—shooting, jumping, running, celebrating, and even shedding tears—Grammy-winning rapper Doechii’s voice narrates a list of the discouraging messages female athletes often hear: “You can’t make demands. You can’t be proud. You can’t keep score. You can’t stand out.” The ad concludes with a powerful closing line: “Whatever you do, you can’t win. So Win.” Backing this message is Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” a fitting anthem for a campaign designed to inspire resilience and confidence.
Ahead of the ad airing, Nike released a “So Win” shirt featuring the athletes that are in the commercial. It’s currently available online for $45, while eight other designs, one for Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Jordan Chiles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Paige Bueckers, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith. The three WNBA superstars already have their designs revealed, with the six other athletes having their designs revealed over the next month.
The Super Bowl slot follows a major marketing push during the Paris Olympics, where the brand showcased global icons like LeBron James and Serena Williams in an ad that went viral titled “Winning Isn’t For Everyone. However, It’s been 26 years since Nike’s last Super Bowl ad, which was a 1998 spot featuring San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson and other athletes playing sports in the nude. This time, the brand’s message is fully dressed in purpose—amplifying the voices of women who are redefining the game and inspiring the next generation to do the same.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
