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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 19: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after the Los Angeles Sparks turned the ball over on a shot-clock violation in the third quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 19, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sparks defeated the Aces 78-72. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 19: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after the Los Angeles Sparks turned the ball over on a shot-clock violation in the third quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 19, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sparks defeated the Aces 78-72. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Of course A’ja Wilson has her own shoe line. Why wouldn’t she? The Nike athlete recently signed a record-breaking contract extension with the footwear company. Soon after, Nike announced the A’Ones and revealed the design, following widespread criticism over the Caitlin Clark contract they had made public.
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It was later revealed the A’ja Wilson knew about the contract extension she would receive 2 years prior. She was made to sign an NDA, but now she’s getting ready to expand her off-court ventures! Not only that, her love interest NBA star Bam Adebayo was captured wearing the shoes during practice.
On the show A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe, the reigning MVP was teased about her romantic connection. Rapinoe held up a picture of Adebayo wearing the A’Ones, asking Wilson to describe it with one word.
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A’ja Wilson, though clearly embarrassed with all of the show-biz, laughed it off. “One word? Aura.” She said, much to the pleasure of the hosts and the audience. “I knew you guys weren’t gonna let me slide along. I was like this might be the first interview I get through without anything [related to Bam Adebayo.]”
Paparazzi and media have spotted the two together since before the 2024 Olympics, and rumors swirled around them everywhere they went. They only somewhat confirmed the rumors on the day of Wilson’s jersey retirement at South Carolina. “What a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today…especially my favorite Olympian from out of town.” She said on her special day, all but confirming their entanglement.
The Miami Heat star’s promotion of his significant other’s shoe was subtle yet heart-warming. Getting her own shoe meant a lot to A’ja Wilson, and to see her partner promote it so openly must have felt nice as well.
What the A’Ones mean to A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson’s reaction to seeing her shoes was pretty emotional. Then again, who wouldn’t be emotional after getting to complete a dream of theirs. It is every child’s dream to play in the big leagues, to sign with Nike, and to have a signature shoe. However, for the Aces star, it became reality.
In an exclusive interview with sneakernews.com, Wilson got candid about what the shoe meant to her. “ I grew up circling stuff in newspapers and catalogs, wanting to have this shoe and being a part of it.” The WNBA MVP said. “And to actually see it, and see your signature on the back, it was all my emotions just firing off. All those meetings, all those conversations, is now here, and everyone’s gonna get to have it for a few months.”
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Jul 18, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Aces player A’ja Wilson shows her grill teeth as she walks the red carpet during the WNBA All Star weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
She talked about the designing process of the shoe, highlighting her surprise at being taken seriously. “It blew me away when they were like “no, you’re in control of this, we’re banking on you make the right decision.” The former DPOY also got the opportunity to send a pair to her coach and long-time mentor Dawn Staley.
No doubt, the A’Ones are going to be top-sellers in the coming year. Their release in May 2025 is highly anticipated, and Bam Adebayo just helped build up the hype a little. We can expect to see A’ja Wilson’s signature shoes on many stars over the next few months before they get released to the public.
Written by
Edited by
Cherry Sharma