WNBA star A’ja Wilson has reached another milestone in her already legendary career. The two-time champion and three-time league MVP just launched her first-ever Nike signature shoe, the A’One, alongside a stylish athletic apparel collection. The debut took place in her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, the city where she made history by leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to their first national championship in 2017. The timing couldn’t have been better, as Wilson also had her college jersey retired in a special ceremony over the weekend.
The Collection Represents More Than Basketball
Wilson’s A’One is more than just a performance basketball sneaker—it’s a statement. The shoe launches in a “Pink A’ura” colorway, a bold reflection of Wilson’s self-proclaimed “girly, girly side.” This collection has been 10 months in the making, following her six-year contract with Nike, a deal that underscores the continued growth and recognition of women’s sports.
In addition to the A’One, Wilson’s collection includes a standout sateen-lined hoodie designed with intentionality. Speaking to Complex, she shared why the luxe lining was a must-have: “I love my hair. I love the way it looks when I take off my comfortable wear. So it was key for me to include a lining that works for all hair types—no hoodie hair, no worries, just take it off and still feel great.”
A Rare and Revolutionary Move in Sports Marketing
Nike named Wilson as a signature athlete in May 2023, adding her to an elite roster alongside Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka, and Sabrina Ionescu. Sports marketing expert Joe Favorito called Wilson’s deal a rare and significant moment, highlighting that brands have become increasingly selective when investing in custom lines.
“Companies have been cutting back on custom lines for years and you don’t see this very often anymore. They have to know there is going to be a big return. Companies have to be very selective. So this is impressive — and it is very rare.”
Favorito also believes that Wilson’s A’One will resonate deeply with young women and people of color, making it an impactful cultural moment, not just a commercial one.
Wilson didn’t just lend her name to the shoe—she had an active role in its design. One of the most unique details is the inclusion of a replica of her tattoos, stitched onto the tongue of the shoe as a tribute to her parents, who have been her biggest supporters throughout her journey.
The Countdown to Release
The A’One will retail for $110 and officially drops on Nike’s SNKRS app in May. As the excitement builds, Wilson is taking a moment to soak it all in: “To see it finally go live, it’s fun and I could not wait. The jersey retirement was great, but to have people get answers to their questions about what this shoe is about, it makes my heart really happy.”
With this release, A’ja Wilson continues to blaze trails, proving that her impact extends far beyond the basketball court. The A’One isn’t just a shoe—it’s a symbol of progress, empowerment, and the bright future of women’s sports.