Nike has introduced A’ja Wilson as the newest member of the brand’s signature family, marking the next chapter of partnership with one of basketball’s greatest athletes.
For more than a year, Wilson has worked side by side with Nike’s team of innovation, product and design experts to create a signature collection inspired by her distinctive style, incredible performance and unapologetic realness. As one of the most iconic basketball players of her generation, of course she got a shoe. Visit ofcourseihaveashoe.com for more details.
“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,” says Wilson. “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.”
Wilson’s experience with Nike has been reflected throughout the design process, says Ben Nethongkome, the lead footwear designer for her collection. From the onset, he says, A’ja was quick to share her aesthetic and performance priorities for her signature shoe, and her collaborative spirit and infectious energy helped the design team bring her vision to life.
“The experience working with A’ja on her collection reflects who she is on the court and in the locker room,” says Nethongkome. “She’s a natural leader. I think her team is built around her and she’s able to be that leader, that voice. She makes everyone feel comfortable to be who they are. And that, I feel like, was the secret sauce in working together on this collection.”
Wilson and the design team forged a quick and meaningful partnership, uniting behind the goal of creating a shoe that elevates her performance on the court and reflects her distinctive style.
“The design process with Nike was really gratifying, and I didn’t realize how much goes into designing a shoe,” says Wilson. “My biggest asks were that the shoe was light and comfortable for all the hours I spend on the court, and that it also looks really good. It’s versatile, and I hope people will wear it when they’re hooping but also just when they’re walking around every day. It’s so exciting to be sharing my signature, a piece of me, with the world.”
In joining Nike’s roster of signature athletes, Wilson is among a growing team of women who have partnered with the brand to develop signature collections with deeper meaning, including Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Sabrina Ionescu. A long-time champion for women and girls, Wilson says she wants her collection to empower them to conquer their goals, no matter how audacious.
“I hope when girls wear this shoe, they believe in themselves,” says Wilson. “I want them to hopefully lace them up, feel powerful and understand that nobody can stop them from their dreams. Set those goals high. Go get them — that’s the biggest thing.”
That sentiment dovetails with Wilson’s work as a member of Nike’s Athlete Think Tank, which helps inform how the brand creates innovative products, meaningful experiences and supportive communities for women and girls. Wilson also recently partnered with Nike and other elite athletes to craft a vision for the future of Nike Air by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence in collaboration with the Nike innovation team.
Wilson’s signature collection will include pieces in women’s, men’s and kids’ sizing. The collection will be released globally on nike.com and SNKRS, and at select retailers in 2025.