A’ja Wilson just did it again—making history, not only on the court but now in her bank account. The Las Vegas Aces star has inked a six-year contract extension with Nike. And here’s the kicker: it’s one of the richest shoe deals for a women’s basketball player.
Breaking: Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP and two-time champion, is signing a six-year contract extension with Nike in one of the richest shoe deals for a women’s basketball player, sources told @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/ht78zgXr4e— ESPN (@espn) December 17, 2024
This isn’t just about sneakers. It’s about what this moment means. Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP, has already proven she’s a powerhouse on the court. Setting records for single-season scoring and rebounding. Becoming the first player to drop over 1,000 points in a single campaign. Winning her second Olympic gold medal as Team USA’s MVP.
Now, she’s putting herself—and women’s basketball—on a global marketing map.
Why this deal feels bigger
Women athletes have fought for visibility in spaces where their male counterparts dominate endorsements. Deals like this rewrite the narrative.
Wilson’s A’One signature shoe, set to launch in spring 2025, makes her the 13th WNBA player with her own shoe. Think about that. Only 13. In the entire history of the league.
And yet, she’s not alone in this fight for more. Caitlin Clark’s reported $28 million deal, Sabrina Ionescu’s signature Nike collection gaining NBA love, and Breanna Stewart’s partnership with Puma—all these moves are turning heads.
Top 5 WNBA’s richest shoe deals
Women’s basketball is carving out its space, with some of the biggest names in the WNBA landing groundbreaking shoe deals. Let’s take a closer look at the five richest contracts in women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark – Nike, $28 million (8 years)
The Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation landed the most lucrative shoe deal in women’s basketball history. An eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike, which includes her signature shoe, is set to redefine how brands view women athletes. Clark turned down bigger per-year offers from Under Armour, choosing stability and the opportunity to build her legacy with Nike.
Sabrina Ionescu – Nike, $24 million (multi-year)
Ionescu has been a Nike athlete since her days with the Oregon Ducks, and her multi-year signature sneaker deal solidified her as one of the brand’s cornerstones. Her latest sneaker, gaining popularity even in the NBA, is a testament to her influence both on and off the court.
JuJu Watkins – Nike, undisclosed (multi-year)
The USC standout signed one of the richest shoe endorsements in women’s basketball while still in college. Represented by Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports, Watkins has become a key figure in Nike’s push to spotlight women athletes, joining other stars like Clark and Paige Bueckers in the process.
Breanna Stewart – Puma, multi-year
Stewart made waves by signing with Puma in 2021, becoming the first WNBA player to land a signature shoe with the brand. Her Stewie line continues to evolve, with the Stewie 3 being the latest release, featuring bold colors and personal touches that reflect her journey.
Caitlin Clark is expected to receive a signature shoe from Nike, per @ShamsCharania
Here would be the list of active WNBA players with a current signature shoe:
– Caitlin Clark
– Sabrina Ionescu
– Breanna Stewart pic.twitter.com/zSkN5VAPcD— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 18, 2024
Elena Delle Donne – Nike, multi-year
A two-time WNBA MVP, Delle Donne’s Nike Air Deldon 1 brought adaptive FlyEase technology into the spotlight. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the sneaker caters to athletes and individuals with disabilities, making it a standout in the market.
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