WNBA star A’ja Wilson signs blockbuster contract extension with Nike

One of the WNBA’s biggest superstars, A’ja Wilson, has put the league further in the spotlight after signing a new blockbuster deal with Nike.

According to ESPN, the three-time WNBA MVP has put pen to paper on a six-year contract extension with the sporting goods giant.

The contract extension is said to be one of the richest shoe deals for a female basketball player.

The Las Vegas Aces superstar announced back in May that she would be releasing a long-awaited signature shoe with the sports company.

The shoe, which will be called “A’One,” is expected to hit shelves in the spring along with the rest of her collection with Nike.

“It’s been incredible working with Nike to bring my dream collection to life and it’s truly an honor to take this next step and become a Nike Signature Athlete,” Wilson had said in a statement.

WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson has signed a six-year contract extension with Nike

The three-time MVP announced a signature shoe with the sportswear giant back in May

“From my logo to the look of the shoe and pieces throughout the collection, we worked to ensure that every detail was perfectly tailored to my game and style.”

Wilson will become the 13th WNBA athlete to own a signature shoe, joining Nike athlete and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu and league legend Breanna Stewart, who released her own shoes with Puma in 2022 .

Wilson’s new contract reportedly ranks among the highest-paying shoe endorsement deals in sports, joining Ionescu, WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and USC star Juju Watkins.

After being selected first overall by Indiana in this year’s WNBA Draft, Clark signed a controversial eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike.

However, throughout the 2024 season, fans have been furious about the lack of Caitlin Clark merchandise from Nike, even though the Fever newcomer has brought more attention to women’s basketball than ever before.

News of Wilson’s latest contract comes after another sensational season for the 28-year-old in her seventh year in the league.

Wilson was named league MVP for the third time in September, adding to her two titles in 2020 and 2022.

The Las Vegas Aces superstar was crowned league MVP for the third time in September

After a unanimous vote, Wilson became the second player to win the vote, alongside Cynthia Cooper-Dyke.

Wilson also joined an elite crew that included Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson, who became the only players to support three MVP awards – the most in the league’s short history.

Their performance also moved the Aces franchise into fourth place among teams with the most MVP wins. The Los Angeles Sparks lead the standings, followed by the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm with six, five and four MVPs respectively.

She also won her second Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Paris over the summer, where she was also named MVP of the Games.