When the WNBA entered its 25th anniversary season in 2021, only nine players had signature basketball sneakers. But with the arrival of the 2024 rookie class, everything changed. The league saw a dramatic rise in viewership, attendance, and overall economic impact. Now, more women than ever are entering the signature-shoe space, and not just that. They’re competing head-to-head with their male counterparts.
According to StockX’s Top Five Best-Selling New Nike Basketball Models of 2025, A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu both landed in the top five. Wilson’s A’One claimed the No. 2 spot, while Ionescu’s Sabrina 3 ranked No. 4. They stand alongside Ja Morant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, which is a historic moment for the WNBA. And honestly, the spot is earned.
The four-time MVP and three-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson unveiled her first Nike signature shoe earlier this year. Designed to elevate her performance and leave defenders behind, Wilson made her mission clear. “If you think you’ve seen my best, think again,” she told Nike. And yes, she’s already one of the greatest players ever.
It took two years for her shoe to be finalized. “From the beginning, we designed the shoe to both accentuate my game and to provide young hoopers a tool to help them push their limits,” she said. The process paid off – hence its No. 2 ranking.
Meanwhile, Sab’s Nike Sabrina 3s are just as impressive. Built on the success of her first two signature sneakers, the Sabrina 3s offer a refined, consistent feel for basketball players. According to Nike, it’s the “new go-to sneaker” for players. It’s inspired by textile weaving and embroidery that nod to Ionescu’s Romanian roots.
It is also lightweight, responsive, and secure. Its mesh pleats and midfoot cables enhance containment without sacrificing comfort. “I know every single basketball player who puts on the Sabrina 3 will continue to see and feel the work that we’ve put in to create the best performance shoe that we can,” she said.
And that’s how these WNBA stars are breaking barriers by delivering elite performance shoes and competing directly with the NBA’s biggest names. This is no small feat, especially considering they now rank ahead of LeBron James. The 40-year-old, one of Nike’s top sellers, led all NBA signature shoe sales in 2017. And do we need any evidence of his unmatched popularity? So for Wilson and Ionescu to stand beside – and above – him is monumental. But this is only the beginning.
Caitlin Clark’s signature shoes will be dominating soon…
Since her arrival in the W, CC has ignited interest in women’s basketball. Many expected it to fade, but the rise has only grown stronger. She’s now one of the most-watched female athletes globally. And she’ll be releasing her signature shoes soon as part of her $28 million Nike deal.
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So far, CC has released a signature logo featuring interlocking C’s with a hidden smaller C. The logo collection featured on T-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and pants for all ages. But the biggest moment is coming in 2026, when she’ll release her first signature shoe. As Ann Miller, Nike’s Executive Vice President of Global Sports Marketing, said, “We’re excited to take this next step together, continuing to shape this historic time for women’s basketball, and pushing the game and industry forward.”
Considering Clark’s merchandise sells out within minutes, she may become tough competition for both WNBA and NBA players. The real game-changer is still on the way. But one thing is clear, W’s quickly becoming a powerful competitor to the NBA, and women’s signature sneakers are leading the charge!
