Nike shocked the world last week with a blockbuster return to the Super Bowl ad scene after 27 years, launching their electrifying “So Win” campaign. Designed to celebrate women in sports, the ad was more than just a commercial—it carried a powerful message. It urged athletes to silence the doubters, trust their dedication, and let their performance speak for itself.
“You can’t make demands… You can’t be proud. You can’t keep score. You can’t stand out… Whatever you do, you can’t win. So Win,” narrated rapper Doechii in the ad. Featuring stars like Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Sha’Carri Richardson, the campaign made a huge impact. Lisa Leslie called it “Literally the best commercial tonight,” and athletes took to social media to amplify its message.
But Nike didn’t stop there. They took things even further, sparking major buzz with an unexpected move—placing Caitlin Clark billboards in Chicago. That’s right, in the very city where her rival, Angel Reese, plays.
For Nike, this campaign is about spotlighting athletes at a time when women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented growth. “Women are absolutely shattering records right now—selling out stadiums, driving ticket sales, landing massive contracts, and facing intense scrutiny over how they’re expected to act. I believe they will redefine what it means to be both athletes and public figures in the future,” said Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Hubbard Graham.
The bold move didn’t go unnoticed. One fan posted on X, suggesting Clark might have more fans in Chicago than any Sky player. “She probably has 100x more fans in Chicago than anyone on the Sky,” they wrote. Angel Reese supporters, however, were quick to counter, pointing out her massive social media following. But Clark’s influence as a player is undeniable, as demonstrated during last year’s Sky vs. Fever matchup.
For those unfamiliar with ‘Barbie Night,’ the Chicago Sky hosted a promotional event during their game against the Indiana Fever, distributing Barbie-themed signs to rally support for the home team. However, not all the love went toward the Chi-Town Barbie—many fans were seen getting their Barbie towels signed by Clark.
Clark’s presence in Chicago has been significant, drawing millions of viewers and setting records. So for Sky fans, seeing her take over billboards in their city wasn’t exactly a welcome sight. “How did Angel Reese let this happen?” one person questioned.
Some speculated on Nike’s motivation behind choosing Chicago. Was it a subtle jab at Reese, or simply a strategic move in the Midwest’s biggest market? “I wonder if Nike put this in Chicago to be petty toward Angel Reese or because Chicago is the largest market in the Midwest and third-largest in the country?” one fan mused.
Regardless, Caitlin Clark supporters were thrilled. One dedicated fan even pinpointed the billboard’s exact location for fellow fans to visit: “For those asking, it’s at about 157 W Chicago Ave, between Wells and LaSalle.”
By placing Caitlin Clark billboards in Chicago, Nike didn’t just celebrate women’s sports—they stirred the pot, ruffled some Sky feathers, and made sure everyone was talking about them.
Leave a Reply