A’ja Wilson’s Signature Shoe Is Almost Here 👟🔥

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Nike Unveils A’ja Wilson’s Signature Shoe 👟

Two-time WNBA champion and three-time MVP A’ja Wilson just added another accolade to her already legendary career. Two days after having her jersey retired at South Carolina, Nike officially unveiled Wilson’s first signature shoe and apparel line. The A’One has been two years in the making and will be available to the public this May. Check out the first look here 👉 (Nike)

WHY IT MATTERS: Signature shoes are becoming increasingly rare in today’s sneaker market, with brands favoring player editions (PE’s) over true signature lines. But Nike’s investment in A’ja Wilson reflects a continuing shift in how companies view the marketability of WNBA superstars.

Only a select few WNBA players have ever received a signature shoe. A signature line is a major financial commitment, requiring a brand to build a completely new design—unlike player editions, which repurpose existing models. By giving Wilson her own shoe, Nike is betting big on her star power and marketability.

2. Athletes Unlimited Tips Off Today 🚀

Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball returns for its 4th season today, kicking off a four-week season in Nashville, Tennessee with two opening games.

The league features WNBA standouts like Alysha Clark, Alissa Pili, and Lexie Brown, competing in a fast-paced 5×5 format—with a twist. Unlike traditional leagues, teams are redrafted each week by a team captain leading the athlete leaderboard. Captains earn their spots by accumulating the most points throughout the season.

For Week 1, the randomly selected team captains are: Sydney Colson, Isabelle Harrison, Kierstan Bell, and Evina Westbrook. (AU Pro Basketball)

WHY IT MATTERS: Athletes Unlimited is expanding opportunities for women’s professional basketball. Not to mention—

• 🏀 For WNBA players, it’s a way to earn additional income while staying stateside in the offseason.

• 🏀 For top college vets without WNBA contracts, it’s a chance to continue their careers and compete at a high level with elite talent.

• 🏀 For fans in Nashville, it brings professional basketball to a market without a WNBA team (although that could change if Candace Parker gets her wish).

More leagues mean more exposure, more opportunities, and more ways to grow the game.

3. WNBA Ranks as a Top 5 Popular League in the U.S. ⛹🏽‍♀️

A new Morning Consult study ranks the WNBA as the 5th most popular professional sports league in the U.S. 18% of U.S. adults surveyed identified as WNBA fans—putting the league ahead of MLS and the PGA.

📊 See the full league popularity breakdown here 👉 (Ellyn Briggs / Morning Consult)

WHY IT MATTERS: The WNBA’s fanbase is growing, and it’s strong. Of those who identify as fans, 44% say they are “avid” fans. Also impressive? The WNBA was the fastest-growing brand of 2024— across all industries. As more data proves the league’s viability, expect more brands, investors, and fans to take notice. The demand is real, and the game is only getting bigger.