“This Is Where It All Started”: Emotional A’ja Wilson Celebrates Signature Nike Deal Reminiscing Start of Her Career

It was a rather special day for Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson. The 2x MVP had the chance to visit her alma mater and show them how she has grown into the game as she and the team took down Puerto Rico’s national team 102-50. While playing again in the Colonial Life Arena would definitely be a memorable moment, another major announcement further enhanced the festivities of winning.

Talking to the press after the big win in the preseason exhibition, Wilson displayed her elation for a deal with Nike. She said, “To be home and to say that I’m having a shoe, it was special. I’m so glad we were able to get that out and across. Particularly here, because this is where it all started. So, now to come back and say, ‘No, I’m a Nike signature athlete.'”

The 2x WNBA champ also discussed what coming back to her hometown in Columbia meant for her. She shared her feelings saying, “Today was a really really big day. I’m blessed to be able to have a day like this. It brought tears to my eyes just driving. When the bus was taking us past and I saw people lined up. I don’t think people understand how special that is to see that people just support. The support that I’ve gotten, it’s been incredible.”

According to the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP, she had been sitting on the news about her signature line with Nike for over two years now. Giving more details about the contract, she said that the shoes named ‘A’One’ will be dropping next spring. But there was one more thing she had to clarify with everyone.

‘Delayed, not denied’: A’ja Wilson had already given everyone a hint

Last month, Nike announced that they are signing a one-of-a-kind deal with the NCAA’s sensation and first 2024 draft pick Caitlin Clark. The $28 million/ 8-year agreement also included a signature shoe. Then, A’ja Wilson tweeted to calm the brewing cluster of fans that she will indeed have something special coming. Her X post from April 18, 2024, read, “Always remember what is delayed is not denied.”

Talking about the same post, she told the press tonight, “Greatness takes time to build. It was very very hard. Obviously, I see tweets, I see the DMs, I see the sources say X, Y, and Z, is getting a shoe. And it is hard to just sit there and zip your mouth a little bit. But I’ve always said and I tweeted that what is delayed is not denied. And I knew my moment was going to come and I knew I wanted to share with my team and my home state. I hope the rollout was great.”

The way A’ja Wilson kept such a huge secret under the carpet for so long is truly an art. However, she wanted the shoes and the entire clothing line to represent every aspect of her and it is quite applauding. Surely, this line would be one that her fans have been waiting for. And now that it is here, it will be interesting to see what the collection looks like.