By Associated Press – A’ja Wilson, two-time WNBA MVP, will receive an exclusive sneaker from Nike.
The deal was announced Saturday as the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces prepared to play a preseason exhibition against the Puerto Rican team in South Carolina, where Wilson starred for the Gamecocks during his college career.
She posted a photo on social media showing her wearing a sweatshirt that said “Of course I have a Dot Com shoe,” a URL that directed people to the Nike website with the ad.
“It’s been incredible working with Nike towards my dream collection and it’s truly an honor to take the next step and become a Nike Signature Athlete,” Wilson said in a press release issued by the sports apparel giant. “From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces in the collection, we work to ensure every detail is perfectly in tune with my game and style.”
The shoe, which will be called A’One, will hit the market in 2025.
Wilson, a former No. 1 draft pick, five-time WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medal winner, joins tennis greats Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, soccer standout Megan Rapinoe and New York star Liberty Sabrina Ionescu on Nike’s list of exclusive athletes. Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, the most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history, reportedly has a new contract with Nike worth $28 million over eight years as well.
“I hope that when girls wear this shoe, they believe in themselves,” Wilson said. “I want them to tie themselves together, feel powerful and understand that no one can stop them from achieving their dreams. Set those goals high. Go get them – that’s the most important thing.”
Wilson and the Aces are trying to become the first team to win three consecutive championships since the Houston Comets won the first four WNBA titles from 1997-2000. They open the season on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.
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