WNBA star A’ja Wilson responds to criticism over new Nike signature logo design

COLUMBIA — On Saturday, Nike revealed the next step in South Carolina women’s basketball legend and WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson’s new signature shoe. It didn’t take long for criticism to roll in.

In a since deleted video on X, formerly known as Twitter, members from the company Just Women’s Sports publicly made fun of Wilson’s design.

“It looks like a vertebrae,” one said.

On Tuesday night, Wilson took to X to address the situation but didn’t directly name Just Women’s Sports at first. After her tweet, she linked to the since-deleted video.

A’ja Wilson signature logo with Nike

On Saturday, Nike revealed the backstory behind the logo design and credited Wilson herself throughout the creative process. On the website for her collaboration with Nike, sketches revealed the different details behind her logo.

“A’ja Wilson’s star-shaped signature logo is inspired by her distinctive style, incredible performance and unapologetic realness,” Nike wrote. “Coincidentally, she always drew a star in the ‘A’ of her signature, which is accentuated in her logo in an energetic and playful way. The base shape of the logo incorporates strong, bold lines, symbolizing the strength and support she brings to her team.”

Written above the logo sketch, it said things like “90’s style,” and “down to earth,” as descriptors with themes of diamonds, dancing and glamour.

Wilson’s shoe will be available beginning in 2025.