In one of the most dramatic and ironic marketing missteps in recent sports history, Gatorade has found itself at the center of a firestorm after releasing a new WNBA-themed commercial that completely excluded Caitlin Clark — the league’s biggest star and arguably the most marketable athlete in women’s sports today.

What was intended as a celebration of the WNBA quickly turned into a public relations nightmare for the brand, as fans responded with outrage, boycotting the ad and instead flooding official WNBA merchandise sites to purchase Clark’s jersey and apparel.

Within just 48 hours, Clark’s merchandise sales exploded past $660,000 — a staggering number that not only highlighted the absurdity of her exclusion but also forced Gatorade into an embarrassing position of damage control.

The ad, which debuted during a nationally televised ESPN broadcast, featured a cinematic montage of WNBA action, showcasing a mix of veteran and rising stars.

The voiceover emphasized unity, resilience, and the growing influence of women’s basketball. But the glaring omission of Clark — who has been the face of the league’s resurgence — was impossible to ignore. Fans immediately took to social media to express their frustration, disbelief, and disappointment.

The hashtag #WhereIsCaitlin began trending globally within minutes of the ad’s release. Fans, analysts, and even fellow athletes questioned how a brand like Gatorade could overlook the player who has single-handedly driven the WNBA to record-breaking viewership, merchandise sales, and cultural relevance.

“This isn’t just a mistake,” wrote one fan on X. “This is a crime. Caitlin Clark is the WNBA right now. If you don’t know that, you don’t know basketball.”

Another added, “They made an ad about the WNBA without its biggest star. That’s like making a movie about space and not including NASA.”

Gatorade initially remained silent, allowing the backlash to grow unchecked. But as the criticism intensified and Clark’s merchandise sales continued to soar, the brand was forced to acknowledge the mistake.

A brief statement was released through Gatorade’s official social media channels, reading: “We love and support all WNBA athletes. This campaign was designed to highlight the collective strength, talent, and passion of the league.”

That explanation, however, did little to quell the growing anger. Fans saw it as a weak attempt to deflect responsibility and avoid admitting that the brand had underestimated Clark’s influence.

Meanwhile, Clark’s supporters took matters into their own hands. On social media, a grassroots movement emerged — fans intentionally purchasing Clark’s merchandise to show their support and prove a point.

Hashtags like #BuyCaitlin and #ThisIsHerEra began trending, with users sharing receipts, unboxing videos, and personal messages of encouragement for Clark.

The result was a financial explosion that stunned even the most seasoned sports marketing analysts. Official WNBA merchandise reports showed that Clark’s jersey alone accounted for over 70% of all WNBA apparel sales in the two days following the ad’s release. Her social media presence surged, with millions of new followers and engagement numbers reaching all-time highs.

Clark’s representatives have not issued a formal response to the controversy, but sources close to her say she is “deeply appreciative of the support” and “grateful for the fans who continue to show up for her.”

The WNBA, for its part, has remained largely silent, though internal sources say league executives are monitoring the situation closely. There is concern that the incident could expose deeper issues in how sponsors and media partners view the league — particularly when it comes to recognizing individual stars.

“This is bigger than Gatorade,” said one longtime WNBA analyst. “This is about how the league markets itself, how brands choose to invest, and how we treat our biggest stars. If the WNBA wants to keep growing, it can’t afford to ignore its most valuable assets.”

Behind the scenes, Gatorade is reportedly scrambling to contain the fallout. Internal meetings have been called, and sources say the brand is now considering a revised campaign that includes Clark — a move that would be both a public apology and an acknowledgment of the error in judgment.

But for many fans, the damage has already been done. The incident has only reinforced the idea that female athletes — even the most dominant ones — are still fighting for the recognition and respect they deserve.

Clark’s rise has been nothing short of historic. Since entering the WNBA, she has shattered attendance records, drawn record-breaking television ratings, and become a cultural icon for a new generation of basketball fans. Her influence extends far beyond the court — into fashion, media, and even the broader conversation about gender equity in sports.

Yet, despite all of this, Gatorade chose to exclude her — and in doing so, they may have inadvertently proven just how powerful she truly is.

As the WNBA season continues, all eyes will be on how Gatorade moves forward — and whether the brand will take meaningful steps to repair its relationship with Clark and her fanbase.

But for now, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is not just a player.

She is a movement.

And the world is finally starting to understand just how unstoppable she really is.