What could become the most explosive deal in women’s sports in the last decade has just shaken the WNBA to its core. Young star Caitlin Clark signed a $50 million contract with Red Bull , and behind it all is a legendary figure: Larry Bird .
Yes, the legendary former Boston Celtics player not only witnessed Clark’s meteoric rise—he was also instrumental in sealing this deal, which is already generating tension in the halls of the league.
And this wasn’t approved by the WNBA . It wasn’t negotiated, smoothed over, or leaked. It was a direct, independent, and powerful move . And some within the league… aren’t happy at all.
A move that took the entire WNBA by surprise
Red Bull, famous for backing extreme athletes, Formula 1 drivers, and global figures, had been pursuing Caitlin Clark for months. But what really sealed the deal was the direct intervention of Larry Bird , who sees her not just as a basketball star, but as an unprecedented cultural phenomenon .
“She’s bigger than the game,” Bird reportedly told Red Bull executives during a private meeting.
“And she’s not waiting for the WNBA to wake up.”
The contract includes a million-dollar down payment, equity, and full control over his personal campaign , which will kick off with a special edition of Red Bull cans called “Clark Wings . ”
Discomfort and tension behind the scenes
While fans celebrate this alliance as a victory for women’s sports, inside the WNBA there are long faces and frustration .
The reason? Caitlin signed this deal outside the league. She didn’t ask for permission. She didn’t fall in line. She did it her way. And that, in a league still seeking a balance between control and innovation, is almost sacrilegious .
A source close to the board commented:
“There’s an unwritten rule in the WNBA: you can’t overshadow the league. Caitlin broke it… with fireworks.”
And now, many other young players could follow her example. Because Clark just proved that you don’t need to wait for the system to validate you—you can build your own empire .
The fans didn’t hold anything back:
The networks exploded with messages like:
“Caitlin just did more for the WNBA than half a board of directors in 10 years.”
“Larry Bird wasn’t just a genius on the field. He’s a genius in business.”
“If the league tries to punish her for this, they’ll lose the only one keeping them relevant.”
And they are right.
The WNBA has struggled for years with issues of visibility, low salaries, and limited promotion. But this contract—signed without intermediaries and with historic support—could mark a turning point .
And now what’s next?
Will stars like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins follow the same path?
Will the WNBA begin limiting outside sponsorships?
Or will he finally jump on the bandwagon of change?
The only thing that’s certain is this: Caitlin Clark isn’t just changing the game… she’s rewriting the rules .
And if Larry Bird is on your side…
