Anyone can point out a vivid lack of WNBA signature sneakers on the market compared to the number of NBA signature sneakers available to consumers. The past, present, and future state of the WNBA signature shoe market explain the reasoning for this and what needs to be done to change the trajectory.
The first step is comparing the WNBA and NBA players who have achieved this stamp of stardom to those who have not. The next steps are revealing the disguise in current deals and displaying the growing visibility of the WNBA through the perspective of an 8-year-old who spends more than 30 hours a week in the gym, hoping she gets the chance to lace up her own shoe one day.
I spoke with WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes, ESPN footwear writer Nick DePaula, and more to grasp the current landscape of WNBA signature sneakers and where it has the potential to go.