• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

A’ja Wilson’s Star Continues to Rise With Release of Nike Shoe

The three-time MVP debuted a pink and white shoe that will be released in May.

Sep 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) dribbles the ball against New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) during game one of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Nike unveiled A’ja Wilson’s signature A’One shoe Tuesday, another emblem of the continued acceleration of the business of women’s basketball.

Nine WNBA players got their own signature shoes in the earlier days of the league: Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, Cynthia Cooper, Nikki McCray, Chamique Holdsclaw, Diana Taurasi, and Candace Parker. Then, a decade went by where no women’s player got a custom deal.

Deals have picked back up in recent years alongside growing popularity in the WNBA, with four players announcing shoe contracts ahead of Wilson since 2021. But for a league where most of the athletes are Black, all four of those players—Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, Sabrina Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark—are white. Wilson—soon to be joined by JuJu Watkins with Nike and Satou Sabally with Adidas—is the first Black women’s basketball player to get her own shoe since Parker in 2010–11.

Clark’s eight-year Nike deal is reportedly worth more than $28 million. At the time it was reported in April, the contract would be the most lucrative shoe deal in women’s basketball history.

A month later, Nike began teasing Wilson’s shoe, and the three-time MVP signed a six-year extension with the Swoosh in December for one of the richest women’s basketball shoe deals ever.

Fresh off her Sunday jersey retirement at the University of South Carolina in her hometown of Columbia, Wilson dropped her first line of pink and white shoes and clothes, available for purchase in May. She confirmed on social media that more colorways, sizes, slides, and apparel are on their way. Etched into the shoe are symbols honoring each of her parents, a quote from her late grandmother, and her signature logo, among other details. Shoes will be priced at $110 for adults and $90 for children.

“My first A’One collection reflects both my vision for the future of the game and the inspirations that fuel my performance and style every day,” the two-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist said in a statement. Wilson also has a sponsorship deal with Gatorade.

Nike has seen tremendous success with Ionescu’s shoe, which has crossed over to become one of the most popular choices in the NBA. Players like Tyrese Haliburton, Dereck Lively II, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jordan Clarkson raved about the shoe to ESPN last year. “It’s an all-around comfortable, amazing shoe,” Caldwell-Pope said. Ionescu’s shoes go for $130 for adults and $100 for children.

Wilson’s clothing line has pink, black, and white designs of shorts, tights, shirts, and hoodies that feature her logo. The hoodies are lined with sateen specifically designed to protect Black hair, and the tights are shorter on one side to reflect her signature one-leg look.

Because she isn’t playing in Unrivaled this winter, Wilson will debut her new shoe during the WNBA season. The Aces begin the regular season May 17 in New York.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear (0) tries to outrun Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Despite Vote Delay, SCORE Act Negotiations Continue on Capitol Hill

Political ad campaigns during college football Saturdays continue as well.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.