RP Media

South Carolina is leaving Under Armour behind and stepping into a new era with Nike in the 2026–27 season. The switch is huge for the program, but it feels even more meaningful when you connect it to two names that define Gamecock basketball: Dawn Staley and A’ja Wilson.

In the late 90s and early 2000s, Staley became one of the rare WNBA players with a Nike signature shoe, the Zoom S5. At a time when women’s basketball sneakers were almost nonexistent, she broke through and proved that women deserved their place in sneaker culture.

Now her former player A’ja Wilson is carrying that legacy forward. Wilson, one of the greatest to ever wear garnet and black, is now the face of Nike women’s basketball with her own signature line, the A’One. She is showing the next generation of athletes what is possible, just like Staley did before her.

Why Nike Should Bring Back the Dawn Staley Shoe

That connection makes this new Nike partnership more than just a contract. It is a chance to celebrate the full story. Imagine Dawn Staley walking onto the court in a retro version of her Zoom S5s while A’ja Wilson is leading the way with her A’Ones. Past and present colliding in garnet and black, all under the Swoosh.

Nike has always leaned into heritage and storytelling. From Penny Hardaway retros to Kobe Protros, the brand thrives on honoring icons. Bringing back the Dawn Staley shoe would connect directly to the energy Nike has already built around A’ja Wilson and the future of women’s basketball.

The Gamecocks are ready for Nike. Now it is time for Nike to bring back the Dawn Staley.