WNBA luminary A’ja Wilson has joined forces with Nike to unveil her very own signature shoe collection, marking a historic moment in women’s basketball.
The announcement, made by the sportswear giant on Saturday morning (May 11), sent shockwaves through the basketball community.
Wilson, a formidable force with the Las Vegas Aces and a two-time WNBA champion, has been bestowed the prestigious title of Nike signature athlete, a recognition typically reserved for the most elite athletes in the world of sports.
Nike’s statement revealed that the collaboration between Wilson and its innovation, product, and design teams spanned over a year, during which they meticulously crafted a collection inspired by Wilson’s unparalleled style, exceptional performance, and unwavering authenticity.
Central to this collection is the unveiling of Wilson’s signature shoe, aptly named the A’One.
“You thought we’d sleep on an SEC champion, national champion, #1 draft pick, five-time All-Star, U.S. Olympic gold winner, WNBA Finals MVP, a statue-having, New York Times Best Seller, TIME 100 Most Influential People in 2024, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time WNBA MVP, and pettiest hooper on the internet?” Nike’s message read.
Fans eager to learn more about Wilson’s collection are directed to visit Ofcourseihaveashoe.com, where Nike has provided details about the line, including Wilson’s message to her supporters.
In her statement, Wilson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to realize her dream of having her own collection and becoming a Nike signature athlete.
The collection is set to encompass selections in women’s, men’s, and kids’ sizing, affirming Wilson’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
Scheduled for a global release in 2025, the collection will be available through Nike.com, the Snkrs app, and select retailers worldwide.
Speaking on the design process, Wilson said her vision for the shoe is to combine lightweight comfort with style, suitable for both on-court performance and everyday wear.
She expressed her hope that wearing the A’One will instill a sense of power and confidence in women and girls, urging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Lead footwear designer Ben Nethongkome lauded Wilson’s collaborative approach and leadership throughout the design process, emphasizing her ability to inspire and unite her team.
He described Wilson as a natural leader, whose energy and vision were instrumental in bringing the collection to life.
Last month, Wilson found herself under scrutiny after sharing a Bible verse about patience on social media shortly after news of Caitlin Clark’s deal with Nike emerged.
The Las Vegas Aces star faced online backlash and accusations of jealousy and was compelled to respond to those claims.
Speculation arose that Wilson’s post was directed at Clark, who, as the first overall draft pick for the Indiana Fever, was rumored to be finalizing a deal with Nike worth over $20 million, including a signature shoe-a rarity for a rookie.
Some commentators believe Wilson has gotten the new deal with Nike because of that episode.
