Nike set to introduce first signature shoe for WNBA star A'ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson, a former standout player for the University of South Carolina's Gamecocks, has achieved a remarkable array of accolades in her six-year WNBA career to date. As a member of the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson has two WNBA championships to her name, winning in back-to-back seasons (2022, 2023). A'ja Wilson has two WNBA Most Valuable Player awards under her belt, earned in 2020 and 2022. She has also consistently dominated on the defensive end, taking home the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). Her impressive résumé also includes five WNBA All-Star selections, as well as a coveted WNBA Rookie of the Year honor in 2018.

Before making her professional debut in the WNBA in 2018, A'ja Wilson made a significant switch in her sponsorship agreements by partnering with Nike. As a result, she transitioned away from her familiar Under Armour gear, which she had worn during her collegiate years at the University of South Carolina.

A'ja Wilson highlighted the major announcement on Saturday, coinciding with the Las Vegas Aces' preseason exhibition against Puerto Rico's national team in South Carolina. The event held a special significance for the basketball star, as it marked her return to her "Palmetto State" roots, where she had a storied collegiate career with the Gamecocks and grew up in the nearby city of Columbia. It was a fitting backdrop for her to share the news of her much anticipated introductory set of Nike sneakers.

Wilson arrived at the event donning a casual pullover emblazoned with a cheeky slogan, "Of Course I Have A Shoe Dot Com", which discreetly linked to the Nike website for any curious fans. The forthcoming footwear, aptly named the A'One model will surely make a statement in their own right.

In a statement released by Nike's official newsroom press site on May 11th, Wilson shared her excitement about joining the prestigious ranks of Nike's signature athletes, expressing her gratitude for the collaborative opportunity alongside the iconic brand.

"It’s been incredible working with Nike toward a dream of having my collection, and it really is an honor to take this next step and become a Nike signature athlete... From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces throughout the collection, we’ve worked to make sure every detail is perfectly tuned to my game and style."

- A'ja Wilson

Lead Nike footwear designer, Ben Nethongkome, who is overseeing the A'ja Wilson collection, said this about the project:

"The experience working with A’ja on her collection reflects who she is on the court and in the locker room... She’s a natural leader. I think her team is built around her and she’s able to be that leader, that voice. She makes everyone feel comfortable to be who they are. And that, I feel like, was the secret sauce in working together on this collection"

- Ben Nethongkome

This exclusive collection by A'ja Wilson, including the hyped A'One silhouette, will be available in sizes tailored to women, men, and kids, making it a perfect fit for the entire family. Mark your calendars for 2025, as the line will be released globally on Nike's online platform, the SNKRS app, and select retail locations.