Aces’ A’ja Wilson says South Carolina-Nike partnership is a ‘full-circle moment’

Bucket$, the Las Vegas Aces mascot, wears Nike A’ja Wilson A’One shoes during the second half of an WNBA basketball game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Washington Mystics at Michelob Ultra Arena in Mandalay Bay Friday, May 23, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

When South Carolina signed its apparel deal with Nike last week, there was a surprise in the terms sheet of the contract.

“A’ja Wilson Integration” was the first thing listed in the additional benefits section.

The clause was a nod to the Gamecock women’s basketball great, who is currently a star for the Las Vegas Aces and front-runner for her fourth WNBA MVP award. Nike called Wilson a “iconic USC athlete and ambassador” in the contract and as such will provide South Carolina basketball with plenty of her signature Nike-branded gear and apparel.

After a game against the Washington Mystics on Saturday, Wilson told 7News DC it’s a full-circle moment for her.

“Once (USC athletic director Jeremiah Donati) said that they’ll start getting the A’One collection, well the A’Two by that time, my heart just had no choice but to smile because it truly is a full-circle moment,” Wilson said. “I’m so honored and blessed to be able to have our squad and other teams at South Carolina rep the A’One, but also the Swoosh as well.”

What A’ja Wilson perks will South Carolina get from Nike?

Nike plans to provide the following A’ja Wilson-related perks to South Carolina, per the USC-Nike contract:

• The company will “provide USC basketball with Nike-branded A’ja Wilson signature sneakers (e.g., A’Two), including USC-specific colorways, to wear on court.”
• Nike will also “explore A’ja Wilson travel (gear) and other team gear for USC women’s basketball.” If Nike doesn’t provide these things, the company is required to pay USC $15 million by July 15, 2027.
• Nike will feature USC in “A’ja Wilson-related marketing.” Nike will pay USC $3 million if this part of the deal is not met.

A’One and A’Two Nike sneakers, Gamecocks’ uniforms

Wilson unveiled her first signature sneaker with Nike, the A’One, in Columbia back in February. The shoes were released in May and there are already plans for the A’Two sneaker model to release next summer.

Wilson showed up to Vegas’ game on Saturday wearing a Nike shirt that said “7.1.26” on it. The shirt alludes to the day South Carolina and Nike’s contract begins.

South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley reacted to Wilson’s shirt on Twitter saying, “Her is pretty. Her is smart. Her is really really good. Her is a business. Her “stuff” is coming home.”

We’re still a year out from when South Carolina will rock any A’ja Wilson-branded gear, but Wilson said she’s already excited about the possibilities.

“I’m excited, what we got cooking is going to be huge,” Wilson said. “Like I said, I’m jealous, because I know the uniforms and shoes are gonna look fire. But just to have a hand in that, I don’t think people truly understand how much I really try to be hands-on with anything that comes from the A’Collection. Because it’s my collection, yes, but I want everyone to love it. So I can’t wait to do a deep dive into what we can cook up for the Gamecocks.”