It is all systems go for Caitlin Clark’s return to the WNBA as the Indiana Fever take on the New York Liberty, but the game just got a little more special. Clark has often discussed her connection with the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
The Fever revealed that Clark’s special connection to Bryant is being honored by Nike. During her return, Clark debuted special editions of the Nike Kobe Protro PEs (player editions) on June 14, 2025.
As an added bonus, the tan kicks were a nod to Clark’s dog Bella, complete with a photo of the pup on the inside of the shoes.
“Caitlin Clark is debuting her new Nike Kobe 6 Protro PE’s “The Bellas” in honor of her dog, Bella, today against New York 👟🐶,” the Fever announced in a June 14, message on X about 45 minutes before tipoff.
Here is a look at Clark’s shoes that have fans buzzing.
Caitlin Clark Had a Cardboard Cutout of Her Dog Bella to Put in the Stands During COVID
It is the best of both worlds given Clark’s relationship with her golden retriever Bella. Clark’s mom Anne Clark still uses a cutout of Bella, a remnant when COVID prevented fans from coming to games and cardboard photos decked out stadiums and arenas along with ballparks.
ESPN’s Wright Thompson referenced the Bella cutout on several occasions during a March 20, 2024, feature story titled, “Caitlin Clark and Iowa find peace in the process.”
“Anne reached for a cardboard cutout of Caitlin’s beloved golden retriever, Bella, a leftover from her freshman season when COVID-19 meant no fans in the seats,” Thompson wrote.
“… Everyone went to form a line of cheering fans as the Iowa bus parked and the players went into the stadium. Anne Clark worked herself close holding up the cutout of Bella so Caitlin could see. One of the little girls next to Anne treated her like a Mama Swift sighting at a show.”
Caitlin Clark Loves Wearing Kobe Bryant’s Signature Nike Shoes
Back in 2024, Clark discussed how Bryant’s legacy still inspires her as she continues to make her WNBA ascent as well as her love for the legend’s shoes. Clark loves wearing Kobe’s signature sneakers so the latest gesture from Nike is significant.
“I guess that’s just the mentality you have to have as a competitor,” Clark said on May 25, 2024, per Bleacher Report. “It’s just, you want those moments, you embrace those moments when your team needs a big shot.
“I was able to create a little separation and get the shot off. Would have been nice to hit a few more of those tonight, but we got the job done when we needed to.”
Clark had been sidelined with a strained quad for several weeks as the Fever guard had not previously played since May 24, a game which also happened to be against the Liberty.
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