The A’ja Wilson Effect: The Story of the WNBA Star’s Iconic Leg Sleeve

WNBA star A’ja Wilson’s undeniable influence on the next generation is arguably most evident with a trend that has swept the pro and college game: the single-leg sleeve.

But she didn’t rock the style to set a trend — it was out of necessity. “I wore it because my leg was not working,” Wilson said with a laugh.

Wilson — one of FN’s cover stars for August, along with Breanna Stewart — began wearing the leg sleeve during her rookie year because of pain from training camp. “At the University of South Carolina, Coach [Dawn] Staley was strict about our uniform. We weren’t allowed to wear sleeves unless it was medically cleared. In training camp [with the Aces], I was like, ‘Oh my God, my leg is not here today’ — my left leg, the one I use the most because I’m left-handed. So I tried the sleeve, but I cut the other one off because I wasn’t used to wearing sleeves and I hated it.”

Since her now-famous look debuted, it has been spotted on some of basketball’s best, including rookie Angel Reese and even four-time NBA champion LeBron James.

However, the college game is where Wilson’s influence is seen the most. “[My agent], Jade [English], was at a regional and she sent a picture. Of the 10 girls on the court, eight of them had one leg sleeve. She was like, ‘Look at the A’ja Wilson effect,’” the hooper said.

For the August issue, FN profiled two of the WNBA’s most influential and beloved stars: A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart. The two spoke about activism, signature shoes and being role models for generations of female athletes to come.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.