Indianapolis, IN — In what fans are now calling the “Red Bull Reveal of the Century,” NBA legend Larry Bird shocked the sports world today by announcing — and personally delivering — a $50 million endorsement deal to WNBA rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, sponsored by energy drink giant Red Bull.
The announcement took place in a surprise segment during a Fever-sponsored community event held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where Clark believed she was simply attending a youth basketball clinic. Instead, she was handed a custom Red Bull jersey, a framed contract, and a bottle of Red Bull personally signed by Bird.
“You’ve got wings now, kid,” Bird said with a grin, referencing Red Bull’s iconic slogan.
“Time to fly higher than ever.”
The Deal: Historic and Unmatched
The Red Bull endorsement is reportedly worth $50 million over 7 years, making it the largest-ever single-brand endorsement deal for a female basketball player — and among the biggest in women’s sports history.
The contract includes:
Global branding rights
Custom Caitlin Clark “Wings” edition Red Bull cans
Joint Red Bull x Caitlin Clark training camps for young girls
A docuseries showcasing her journey from Iowa to WNBA icon status
Equity stake in Red Bull’s North America expansion campaign
“This isn’t just about sponsorship,” said Red Bull CEO Dietrich Mateschitz in a remote statement.
“This is about investing in a generational athlete — someone who’s not just changing basketball, but redefining greatness.”
Clark’s Reaction: “I’m Speechless”
Caitlin, visibly overwhelmed, wiped away tears as the crowd gave her a standing ovation.
“I didn’t expect this. I just wanted to play the game I love and inspire a few kids.
To have someone like Larry Bird believe in me at this level? It means everything.”
The Fever team and WNBA officials in attendance looked equally shocked, as many were unaware the announcement was coming — including Clark’s own agent.
Fan Frenzy Explodes
The internet nearly broke within minutes:
“Caitlin Clark just became the female Jordan of endorsements!” – @BasketballBuzz
“$50M from Red Bull? SHE’S THE BRAND NOW!” – @HoopsQueenPH
“Larry Bird handing her the contract? Goosebumps.” – @SportsFanDaily
Hashtags #CaitlinClark50M, #RedBullClark, and #BirdAndClark trended globally within an hour.
More Than Just Money: A Cultural Shift
Sports analysts are calling the deal a defining moment for women’s sports marketing, comparing it to:
Jordan’s original Nike deal
Serena Williams’ Gatorade partnership
Naomi Osaka’s multiple brand empire
“This cements Caitlin Clark as the most marketable woman in basketball history,” said ESPN analyst Monica McNutt.
“And it signals to brands that the WNBA isn’t just rising — it’s soaring.”
Larry Bird: The Mentor Move No One Saw Coming
Bird, a quiet but respected legend, rarely makes such public gestures. But insiders say he’s been following Caitlin’s rise since her college days and sees her as “the future face of the sport.”
“She’s the real deal,” Bird said.
“And she’s only just begun.”
What’s Next?
Clark’s calendar is about to explode:
A 12-city Red Bull tour featuring youth clinics, exhibitions, and meet-and-greets
National TV spots airing this summer
A custom sneaker collaboration reportedly in talks with Adidas and Puma
Rumored joint appearances with Larry Bird at select WNBA All-Star events
Final Word
Today, Caitlin Clark didn’t just get an endorsement —
She got a cultural coronation.
And thanks to Larry Bird and Red Bull, she now has the wings to fly beyond even what fans imagined.
“From Iowa to immortality,” one fan tweeted.
“We are witnessing history.”