“What is delayed is not denied”—this mantra perfectly captures the journey of 2x MVP A’ja Wilson, who recently became one of the few players in the WNBA to launch her own signature shoe line. While celebrating this monumental achievement, her former teammate Candace Parker couldn’t help but voice one wish that might be called selfish.

In a recent episode of ‘Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae’, Parker shared her excitement about Wilson’s new contract and accomplishments. “I feel fortunate to have played with her and to see the type of work ethic she has, along with her skill set. I mean, it’s unbelievable. I’m really proud of her, and I think it’s well deserved. I think there are others out there who are deserving as well, and I hope we don’t put a limit on how many signature shoes female athletes can have. Selfishly, I wish it was with Adidas, but I’m happy for A’ja,” Parker said.

As the current president of Adidas Women’s Basketball, Parker couldn’t hide her disappointment that the contract wasn’t her company. However, her pride for Wilson, her former teammate, still shines through. Of course, as Adidas continues to make strides in bringing more women basketball players to its doors, Parker’s wish isn’t exactly wrong in the marketing sense.

In fact, the Hall of Famer’s pair with Wilson had already resulted in a 2x back-to-back win for the Aces. Who knows what their duo could’ve done for the sports athleisure giant? However, A’ja Wilson has been a Nike person since her entry into the league and has been the face of Cosmin Unity for the brand long before her own shoes hit the market.

Rightfully, Candace isn’t the only one who feels that A’ja Wilson’s shoe deal should have come a long while back. Many share the sentiment, including the Aces’ head coach Becky Hammon.

A’ja Wilson’s Shoe Deal Was Long Overdue

Chief among them is Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon. After Game 1 of the WNBA Finals in October 2023, Hammon was asked a surprising question: Doesn’t star player A’ja Wilson deserve her own signature shoe? Hammon’s reaction was one of surprise.

“You think?” she replied, adding, “You don’t need my thoughts. You already know my thoughts.”

Then she elaborated, stating emphatically, “She needs her own shoe. She is the 2x MVP. I’ll toot her horn because she won’t. Olympic gold medalist, and best defensive player two years running—her team’s success speaks for itself. Stop. Stop.”

In response to the speculation about her shoe deal during that same press conference, Wilson remained optimistic, saying, “In due time, in due time. We’ll see what goes on, but I believe we’re going to get something moving and shaking. I’m blessed just to have my name in that conversation.”

In 2024, A’ja Wilson made history as the first player in WNBA history to surpass the 1,000-point mark in a single season. She also became the second unanimous MVP in league history. As she continues to shine on the court, Wilson’s signature shoe deal is not just a personal victory; it’s a significant milestone for women athletes everywhere, paving the way for future generations. And all that is left is for her collection to be released in Spring 2025.