Groundbreaking Announcement by Nike
South Carolina women’s basketball legend A’ja Wilson added another monumental achievement to her illustrious career.
On Saturday, the two-time WNBA MVP announced her highly anticipated signature shoe with Nike, making her the first Black WNBA player since 2010 to receive this honor.
Wilson’s “A’ONE” to Hit Shelves in 2025
In a statement, Nike confirmed that Wilson’s signature shoe, dubbed the “A’ONE,” will be released in 2025. The unveiling culminates years of anticipation and speculation about when the Las Vegas Aces superstar would join the elite ranks of WNBA players with their own signature sneakers.
“To finally say I’m a signature athlete is truly a blessing,” Wilson told Andscape.
Wilson made the historic announcement before her return to Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Clad in a shirt that read “Of course I have a shoe dot com,” the former South Carolina standout basked in the momentous occasion.
Trailblazer in Women’s Basketball
ESPN noted that Wilson’s achievement marks her as the first Black WNBA player since Candace Parker in 2010 to receive a signature shoe. This milestone underscores Wilson’s status as a trailblazer in the world of women’s basketball.
“I understand this weight is heavy, but it’s happy weight,” Wilson said. “So, I’m like, ‘We’re going to move this needle.’”
Continuing a Legacy
Wilson’s signature shoe continues a legacy that began with pioneering WNBA players like Sheryl Swoopes, who became the first Black woman to headline a Nike signature sneaker in 2002.
As the next generation, Wilson’s “A’ONE” represents a significant step forward in the recognition and empowerment of Black women in professional sports.
