On February 2, 2025, Women’s Basketball celebrated the legacies of two of its brightest stars, A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, as both had their iconic No. 22 jerseys retired by their respective alma maters.

A’ja Wilson’s Jersey Retirement

The University of South Carolina honored A’ja Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist, by retiring her jersey in an emotional ceremony at Colonial Life Arena. Wilson, a Columbia native, was instrumental in elevating the Gamecocks’ program to national prominence. During the ceremony, she expressed immense gratitude and pride, reflecting on her journey from local standout to international basketball star. Wilson was also named 2024 USA Female Athlete of the Year last week! A’ja Wilson’s rumored boo Bam Adebayo was also in attendance!

Caitlin Clark’s Jersey Retirement

Later that day, the University of Iowa retired Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey following the Hawkeyes’ upset victory over Juju Watkins and the number four ranked USC Trojans! At just 23, Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, has made a significant impact on the sport. In her celebratory speech, she thanked her teammates and the community for their unwavering support throughout her career. Clark recently declined the NBA’s invite to compete in the 2025 NBA All Star 3 point contest, stating she wanted to make her debut in Indiana in the 2025 WNBA All Star Game. Clark’s former teammates including Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall were in attendance.

Nike’s Signature Collections

In addition to their on-court achievements, both Wilson and Clark have expanded their influence into the world of sports apparel through collaborations with Nike.

A’ja Wilson: Nike unveiled Wilson’s signature collection, which includes a signature shoe, reflecting her dynamic style and contributions to the game. This collaboration signifies Nike’s recognition of Wilson’s impact on basketball and fashion.

Caitlin Clark: Following an impressive rookie season, Clark secured an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike, making her the first women’s basketball player to have a unique emblem with the brand. This partnership includes the release of a signature shoe and logo, placing Clark alongside NBA stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant in having exclusive Nike branding.

Sabrina Ionescu: Nike also collaborated with Sabrina Ionescu to create the “Sabrina 2” signature collection, featuring innovative designs that cater to both performance and style, further solidifying Ionescu’s presence in the sports apparel market. The Sabrina 2 was the second most worn shoe in the NBA this season! 

Nike changed their Instagram profile photo to honour the two collegiate legends! Nike also launched a new collection featuring signature tees for Ionescu, Clark and Wilson pictured below!