There’s an A’ja Wilson clause in South Carolina’s contract with Nike
South Carolina approved a deal to make Nike the future official uniform outfitter for Gamecock athletics on Friday. The 10-year agreement will start July 1, 2026, the day after South Carolina’s contract with Under Armour expires.
And one of the “additional benefits” listed on the USC-Nike contract term sheet is a nod to a Gamecock great: “A’ja Wilson Integration.”
Wilson, who has a statue in her honor outside of Colonial Life Arena and a retired jersey hanging in the rafters, is recognized as a “iconic USC athlete and ambassador” in the contract. As such, Nike plans to provide South Carolina with the following:
- 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 will USC in “A’ja Wilson-related marketing.” Nike will pay USC $3 million if this part of the deal is not met.
Wilson’s first signature sneakers, the A’Ones, were released in May. The A’Twos are expected to release in summer 2026.
Wilson is in her eighth professional season with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. In that time she’s won two WNBA titles, three MVPs and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Other women’s basketball-related notes
Dawn Staley’s team will also be outfitted in advanced Nike uniforms for the 2026-27 season.
USC will wear the “advanced Paris uniform chassis,” the same worn by the USA women’s basketball national team during the 2024 Paris Olympics. A “chassis” is essentially a jersey model.
Unlike the the A’ja Wilson Integration additional benefits, Nike doesn’t have the option to just pay USC if it can’t provide the Paris Uniform. It is a breach of the deal if it is not provided.
Nike will also provide a “full redesign” of the women’s basketball uniform offerings (minimum of four uniforms) during the first four years of the term of the contract.
Nike designers will also “lead a redesign” Colonial Life Arena’s court, in partnership with USC.
This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM.
