Clark shares, Connor speaks, Indy hoops wins.
Connor McCaffery Doesn’t Hold Back About Girlfriend Caitlin Clark originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Caitlin Clark’s presence in Indianapolis is continuing to reshape more than just the WNBA landscape. Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, Clark has quickly embedded herself into the city’s broader basketball community.
Her latest move? A full-team gift drop of Nike Kobe 5 Protros to the Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball team, a gesture coordinated through her partnership with Nike and quietly facilitated by her boyfriend, Butler assistant coach Connor McCaffery.
Why Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark gifted Kobe shoes to Butler basketball.
— Akeem Glaspie (@THEAkeemGlaspie) August 1, 2025
“That's all (Caitlin), she's generous.” https://t.co/UGlbEiQ2YM
McCaffery, who joined Butler's coaching staff after playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, made it clear who was behind the generous act. “That’s all Caitlin,” he told IndyStar. “She’s generous.”
While McCaffery helped by gathering shoe sizes and delivering the box, he emphasized that Clark was the one who initiated the idea and handled the logistics.
The shoes, which dropped June 30 and now resell for nearly double their $190 retail price, feature a Fever-inspired colorway and are among Nike’s most in-demand releases of the summer.
Why Caitlin Clark Gifted Nike Kobes to the Butler Basketball Team
Caitlin Clark has been a consistent presence at basketball events across Indianapolis. Whether it’s catching an Indiana Pacers game or attending Butler practices, she has embraced the local basketball culture and community.
According to McCaffery, gifting the shoes was her way of reciprocating that energy. “She wants us to do well, but she wants to see good basketball all throughout the city,” he said.
Clark's partnership with Nike has been one of the highest-profile brand deals in recent women's sports history. Her connection to the Kobe Bryant line also adds symbolic weight, considering her admiration for his legacy.
The choice of the Kobe 5 Protro, styled in Fever colors, wasn't just about style or exclusivity, but a subtle nod to community building. By giving the Bulldogs something rare and valuable, Clark showed her appreciation in a way that combined meaning, access and basketball culture.
Connor McCaffery’s Role Reflects a Unique Basketball Bond
The dynamic between Clark and McCaffery adds an interesting layer to their growing influence in Indianapolis hoops. McCaffery, the son of former Iowa men’s head coach Fran McCaffery, played both basketball and baseball at Iowa before joining the Butler staff in 2024.
His connection to Clark, now one of the most watched athletes in professional sports, gives Butler an unexpected link to the WNBA spotlight.
More importantly, their actions show shared values. As Clark continues her breakout rookie season with the Fever, McCaffery has echoed her commitment to the city through his role with the Bulldogs.
Together, their support for basketball in Indianapolis is becoming as much about the off-court impact as it is about wins and losses. With Clark’s meteoric rise and McCaffery’s voice growing inside Butler’s program, their combined footprint on Indiana's basketball culture keeps expanding.
Related: WNBA Viewership Surges in 2025 Despite Caitlin Clark Missing Games
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
