Former South Carolina Gamecocks star and now Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson is believed to be the primary reason behind her alma mater’s new deal with Nike. On Friday, Aug. 22, it was announced through the Gamecocks’ official website that starting July 1, 2026, all the athletic departments of the University of South Carolina will be backed by Nike, ending its tenured partnership with Under Armour.
On an episode of the “South Carolina Sideline” on Tuesday, Aug. 26, host Matt Dowell gave his take on the Gamecocks’ new deal with the global sportswear brand. Dowell opined that Wilson, already a signature athlete of Nike, played an active role in the deal.
“With someone like A’ja Wilson, who’s really having this moment with Nike, it was just a huge thing that they are capitalizing on. A’ja was actually asked about it before or after one of her games this weekend, and she said, ‘You guys know I love to be hands-on.’ So that to me says that this was all very intentional. It was kind of strange to watch other teams wearing A’One’s against South Carolina, who couldn’t wear the A’One’s,” Dowell said (5:50).
“That was kind of a weird thing. So, I’m excited to see the garnet and black shoes, you know, once they get that going. It’ll be a while from now until we actually see those,” he added.
The Gamecocks women’s basketball team, coached by Dawn Staley, is coming off the 2024-25 season with an overall record of 35-4 (15-1 SEC). They were beaten by the UConn Huskies in the 2025 national championship game by 23 points, 82-59, in what was supposed to be back-to-back NCAA titles for them.
Read More: “Call Me The Joker”: When A’ja Wilson Opened Up On Accepting South Carolina like ‘Villain’ Role For Third Aces Championship
Matt Dowell says A’ja Wilson is becoming an equally great businesswoman
On the same episode of the “South Carolina Sideline,” Matt Dowell opined that A’ja Wilson has not only become a star athlete in the WNBA, like she was in college basketball, but is also one of the few athletes who are great with business deals.
Wilson is currently in her seventh year in the league, having won two WNBA championships and three regular-season MVP awards.
“I just think it’s cool to see the power of A’ja Wilson and the impact she’s had on this deal because we are really seeing her become one of those athletes that, obviously, is a great athlete, but also becoming a really great businesswoman. I think there are few athletes that have that impact, that can be a boss on the court and also a boss in the boardroom,” Dowell explained (6:30).
“I think we’re seeing A’ja become that person and really, you know, have an impact in all areas. So, I thought that was a cool thing to see: A’ja’s impact and for her to be very aware like, ‘Oh, yes, I knew exactly what was going on with this whole thing,'” he concluded.
Also Read: “I Was Trying To Be A Sponge”: When A’ja Wilson Opened Up On Team USA Experience With Dawn Staley Helping Her South Carolina Career
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