Unveiling her first signature shoe was more than just a personal milestone for A’ja Wilson. It was an indication of the interest and growth of women’s sports. “To see everyone in the basketball community finally catch up, it means the world,” she had expressed. Looks like the thought wasn’t lost on many. Sheryl Swoopes, a pioneer in her own right, echoed the sentiments. Some cheered her along, others interpreted the words different.

“It’s about f****** time,” Swoopes said in what seemed to be a release party for the A’ones. The former W champion adorned Wilson’s logo on her t-shirt as she spoke about how special of a moment the release has been. “This moment will absolutely go down as one of the biggest, most special times of my life,” she added, tearing up a little as she continued. 

Rightly so. For when Swoopes signed with Nike for her signature shoe back in 1995, it wasn’t just that she was the first-ever female athlete securing the deal, but that the brand did not even have a women’s sports marketing department. Watching how far Nike has come in championing women’s basketball and sports, for Wilson to now have not just the shoe, but also the collection, it was a moment to slow down and take in for the Houston Comets icon.

Wilson is just the 13th woman to have a signature shoe and it has earned the nods from all over. Bam Adebayo flaunted them during one of his games while Dawn Staley couldn’t help but bombard social media with the snaps. The ‘Pink Aura’ packs more than just personalized details from the reigning MVP. The Cushlon ST2 foam, reimagined traction pattern, and a supportive insole were all designed to help young athletes level up.

Wilson aims to empower young girls, inspire the next generation, and provide them a tool to test their limits. A great moment in sports it indeed is. And according to Sheryl Swoopes, none better to own the spotlight. “A’ja deserves this moment,” Swoopes said. “She’s worked hard, and it’s great to see Nike backing women at this level.” But in the same breath, she very briefly spoke of her own legacy, possibly triggering a mixed reaction from the spectators. 

A’ja Wilson’s Nike Moment: Love, Drama, and Fan Fireworks

The four-time champion’s first signature shoe, Air Swoopes, came out in 1996, setting the stage for five more to follow. The success of the first three would prompt Nike to edge further ahead, signing Lisa Leslie. It was a moment for the history books and Swoopes is aware of it. “I always say somebody had to be the first. And I was blessed enough and lucky enough that I got to be the first,” she expressed during her speech. Looks like the input wasn’t a fan favorite.

“Swoops made it about her while she kept saying it was about A’ja, too weird!” one opined.

The Houston Comets star would also have endless praise for Wilson, reason why she did not personally text her after the shoe reveal, and shed a tear mid-way through the speech. Ever outspoken and the critical end, that was a different sight for a lot of the viewers. Some did not warm up to it.

“i get that it makes you emotional sheryl but it kinda sounds like you’re making this moment about you,” another added. However, it wasn’t all negative.

Sheryl was the best of her time with her 47-point national championship performance, 4 consecutive W titles, 3 MVP honors. Wilson is on her own path of greatness now 2 title and 3 MVP honors in. So watching one icon support another, a few were all in. 

“Absolutely love this! I’m not gonna be crying all season again 🥹🫶🏾❤️,” a fan tweeted. 

Though this dynamic has been nothing new. Swoopes has previously defended A’ja when she was criticised for her performance. “Don’t ever disrespect A’ja,” she had said months before she’d go on to vouch for the Aces star to be on the TIME magazine’s cover. Now watching the love and respect in emphasis, that was one sight. “Love this,” a fan chimed in. 

It took Nike and A’ja Wilson six years to announce her first signature shoe even after all the championships and MVP honors. It was a moment many awaited with bated breath. So with the shoes finally in, it was only right fans echoed Swoopes’ sentiment.

“Yessssssss It’s A BOUT F-CKIN TIME !! We love y’all A’ One and AirSwoopes,” one exclaimed. Viewers speculations aside, this is indeed a win for the women’s sports.