Why A’ja Wilson Sneaker is a Historic Moment for the WNBA

A’ja Wilson: The Reigning Queen of the WNBA

It is about time that WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson finally gets the recognition she deserves. Last season, Wilson had the greatest MVP season by a WNBA player. Wilson became the first person to average 27 points in a season. She also became the first person to score 1,000 points in a single season.

Additionally, Wilson became the first unanimous MVP since Cynthia Cooper (who, in some circles, is regarded as the best player of all time). That’s why it is such a blessing and a distinguishing honor that Wilson announced her signature shoe, the A’One, is being released in May of 2025. In this era, Wilson is arguably the greatest WNBA player of all time—and it’s about time the world treated her like it.

The A’One: A’ja Wilson’s Signature Shoe & Why Did Nike Wait So Long?

There are many questions to ask when it comes to Wilson’s shoes. The first is, why did it take so long for Wilson to get hers? The A’One took years to develop. One can look at the shoe and tell by the details all over it—from the crests that represent both her parents to the phrase “The Best Are Yet to Come.” There are details galore featured on the shoe.

They even had a great launch campaign that included a collaboration with Issa Rae featuring Wilson’s exclusive merchandise. But let’s be real—this shoe should’ve happened sooner. Nike, for years, was sitting on a golden opportunity. Not only would they have been able to create a market for one of their most talented female athletes, but they also would’ve been able to set a standard.

This all comes on the heels of Caitlin Clark entering the league. They would’ve had three signature athletes between Wilson, Ionescu, and Clark. They have it now, yes, but that was a missed window of opportunity. Thankfully, it is better late than never.

Currently, the WNBA has six active players with signature shoes. The names are Caitlin Clark (Nike), Angel Reese (Reebok), Breanna Stewart (Puma), Sabrina Ionescu (Nike), and Sydney Colson (Creative Control). Thankfully, we will never have to live in a world in which Wilson did not receive a signature shoe.

Additionally, even the previous WNBA legends of the game before Wilson were granted the privilege of having their own signature shoe lines. Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, and Rebecca Lobo have had their own kicks. Even Wilson’s college coach, Dawn Staley, had a signature shoe.

What This Means for Future WNBA Stars

The fact that Nike has finally made right by Wilson with the A’One could pave the way for more WNBA superstars to secure signature deals. Players in the league like Clark and Reese are already making waves, and they deserve their own shoes too.

What this means for the future, though, is that Nike should be more prepared when it comes to their signature athletes. Wilson should’ve had a shoe at least two championships ago. Meanwhile, Clark, arguably the most popular basketball player since LeBron James, should’ve had one the moment she stepped onto a WNBA court. Even other shoe companies should be feeling pressure.

Reese, a women’s trailblazer with a long list of endorsements, should’ve had hers prepared the minute she won a national championship. Reese, in particular, has already been working with designer Marvin Baroota on shoe concepts. They’ve released several different shoes while her WNBA career has continued, and Reebok missed the boat.

The market is finally opening up for women’s professional athletes. UConn star Paige Bueckers has an NIL deal with Nike and wears the GT Hustles. Meanwhile, USC’s Juju Watkins should be the next person in line for a signature shoe. Also, any shoe company reading this, please give Hannah Hidalgo a shoe! Please and thank you.

How Big Can The A’One Be?

The A’One can be as big as A’ja Wilson and Nike make it. Other notable sneakers in the game from signature athletes include:

•Kobe Bryant’s Bruce Lee’s & Grinch Who Stole Christmas Shoes
•LeBron James’ South Beach Shoes
•Every single Kyrie x Nike Shoe
•Kevin Durant’s Aunt Pearl’s

Wilson will have to have a signature look that can appeal to both sexes. The most difficult part of the shoe design is accounted for, as the A’One already has a distinct silhouette. This means it could work in various colorways and patterns. If Nike plays this right, sneakerheads will want to own a pair of these shoes.

This is the first WNBA player in years with this kind of marketability. If Nike gets this right, they can set the blueprint for future WNBA superstars to follow.

Closing Thoughts

A’ja Wilson’s dominance has finally been recognized with her own signature shoe, the A’One, dropping in May 2025. This is a historic moment—not just for Wilson, but for women’s basketball and sneaker culture as a whole.

Will the A’One be the biggest WNBA sneaker ever? And which WNBA star deserves a signature shoe next?