A’ja Wilson’s Signature Nikes Just Dropped 👟🔥

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. A’ja Wilson’s Signature Nike Shoe Drops Today 👟

It’s here. A’ja Wilson’s long-awaited signature sneaker, the Nike A’One, officially drops today. The first release, a bright “Pink A’ura” colorway, goes on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. ET on Nike’s website. More colorways are on the way, with the next drop scheduled for May 15. (Nike)

WHY IT MATTERS: The A’One is only the fourth women’s basketball signature shoe Nike has released in the last 20 years. In the WNBA’s early years, Nike partnered with legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, and Dawn Staley on signature models, among others. After 2006, however, there was a 15-year drought until Elena Delle Donne’s Air Deldon hit shelves in 2022.

2. Women’s Basketball Stars Shine at The Met Gala ✨

Women’s basketball stars made major waves at this year’s Met Gala on Monday night in New York City, turning heads on one of the world’s biggest red carpets.

Here’s how they showed up in style:

• Breanna Stewart put a fresh twist on a classic style

• Jonquel Jones brought power and polish in a statement leather blazer

• Sabrina Ionescu channeled Old Hollywood glam

• Angel Reese stunned in an elegant Thom Browne gown

• Flau’jae Johnson shut it down with a show-stopping red carpet look

WHY IT MATTERS: The Met is the most influential fashion event of the year, attracting fashion designers, celebrities, and cultural influencers from around the world. The gala is invite-only, doubling as both a fundraiser for art and fashion, and one of the top pop culture moments of the year. The increased representation of women’s basketball players at the Met represents the growing mainstream influence of women hoopers.

3. Valkyries Enter WNBA History Books Tonight 📚

A new chapter in WNBA history begins tonight. The Golden State Valkyries will play their first-ever game, a preseason home matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks. (San Francisco Chronicle)

WHY IT MATTERS: The Valkyries are the league’s first expansion team since 2008, and the Bay Area’s first WNBA franchise. Fans have already shown up in a major way: the Valkyries have sold over 10,000 season tickets, more than any WNBA team in history.

The roster features a mix of experienced vets like Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes, along with promising newcomers who are still waiting to play their first W game. Tonight offers the very first look at what this new team brings to the league.

👉 How to watch: 10:00 PM ET on WNBA League Pass