$3 million worth A’ja Wilson goes extra mile to put her logo on private jet after announcing contract extension with Nike

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson announced major contract extension with Nike featuring her own private jet.

$3 million worth A’ja Wilson goes extra mile to put her logo on private jet after announcing contract extension with Nike

A'ja Wilson announces major contract extension with Nike with her own private jet

A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ superstar forward and the reigning WNBA MVP, continues to soar both figuratively and literally. Wilson and Nike announced a major contract extension for the Aces star, which includes her upcoming signature sneaker with the brand. But that’s not all.

Shortly after announcing her lucrative six-year contract extension with Nike, A’ja Wilson shared a glimpse of her burgeoning empire. The deal is reported to rank among Nike’s most significant shoe endorsements for women athletes. Wilson posed in front of a private jet adorned with the logo of her upcoming signature sneaker, the A’One.

The jet, emblazoned with the A’One logo, was part of Nike’s big move investing in Wilson’s star power. Nike hired the jet for Wilson after the announcement of the deal between them and the Aces superstar, after which she released images from the photoshoot with the Jet on her Instagram.

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Initially signed by Nike in May, A’ja Wilson’s partnership has since become a signature deal, making her the 13th WNBA player to secure one. The A’One sneaker, set to launch in Spring 2025, is a major representation of her influence on the court and her growing cultural impact off the court, as she becomes the first black woman to secure a signature sneaker since Candace Parker.

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A’ja Wilson’s rise as a Nike signature athlete has not been without challenges. In a July interview with Footwear News, Wilson reflected on her journey, expressing equal parts gratitude for her accomplishments and resilience for her journey as a trailblazer in women’s basketball.

“When I first started, I questioned if I was good enough. It was a process of proving myself, not just to the world but also internally. Nike’s belief in me gave me the confidence to embrace this moment.”

A’ja Wilson via Footwear News
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Wilson’s determination and patience ultimately paid off. She joins an elite group of active WNBA stars with signature shoe deals, including playoff opponents New York Liberty stars Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart. Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark is also rumored to be getting her own signature sneaker with Nike, joining Wilson and Ionescu, further solidifying Nike’s commitment to growing women’s basketball.

Further in the interview, A’ja Wilson also shared her thoughts on the design of her sneaker and the vision that will go into its creation:

“When people look at my position in basketball, they think of a big-man shoe, a forward or center shoe. The A’One is not that. It is the complete opposite. It’s very versatile because that is my style of play. And I wanted a shoe that was going to be comfortable and durable for 40 minutes because the last thing I want to worry about on court are my shoes. And it’s a low top.”

A’ja Wilson via Footwear News

Nike’s decision to back Wilson is as much about basketball as it is about representation. The A’One’s release will mark a significant moment in sneaker culture. And A’ja Wilson is certainly flying high off her success, pun intended.