Nike Gives Signature Shoe To A'Ja Wilson Following Criticism Of Caitlin Clark Deal
The Caitlin Clark haters can calm down: A'Ja Wilson is finally getting a signature shoe.
The Las Vegas Aces star made the announcement Saturday morning upon her arrival for a preseason game against the Puerto Rican national team. Wilson wore a hoodie that read "Of Course I Have A Shoe Dot Com," a URL that redirected to Nike's website with the announcement.
Nike faced mounting pressure after it was announced the brand inked a deal with former Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark for $28 million — which included a signature shoe. That's a rare honor for an athlete, let alone a rookie who hasn't yet played a professional game.
RELATED: WNBA Star A'ja Wilson Says She's Not Jealous Of Caitlin Clark
That news left the usual suspects (like Jemele Hill) crying racism, suggesting that not enough Black players have their own shoes.
A'Ja Wilson Shoe Was Already In The Works
What Jemele and other critics didn't know, though, is that Wilson has been working with Nike for over a year to develop her signature collection. The two-time WNBA MVP herself requested the news drop when the Aces' visited Columbia, S.C. — her hometown.
"The biggest thing for me is I get to showcase what I've been working on for a couple of years now in my home state, in my home city," Wilson told Andscape's Aaron Dodson. "A place where people watched me grow and I raised eyebrows like, 'Is she really that good?!' To then seeing me in college and now in the pros."
A'Ja Wilson has led the Las Vegas Aces to two-consecutive WNBA Championship titles.
(Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
Nike has named Wilson to the brand's roster of signature athletes, and her collection will include not only a shoe, but also clothing in women's, men's and kid's sizing.
"It's been incredible working with Nike toward a dream of having my collection, and it really is an honor to take this next step and become a Nike signature athlete," Wilson said in a statement.
"From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces throughout the collection, we've worked to make sure every detail is perfectly tuned to my game and style."
The shoe — called "A'One" — and the rest of her apparel will be available in 2025.