In a landmark move, Skechers has announced the signing of Rickea Jackson, the Los Angeles Sparks rookie and fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, as its first female basketball endorser. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Jackson and the footwear brand, which has been making a concerted push into the performance basketball market. Nick DePaula of Boardroom first reported this news.
Greg Smith, Skechers' VP of Product Development & Merchandising, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "Rickea is not only a rising star in the WNBA with a bright future in the sport, but she also believes in the brand and loves Skechers’ on and off-court product."
Jackson, who capped her collegiate career at Tennessee with an impressive 20 points per game, brings her versatile scoring ability to the Sparks, positioned in the expansive Los Angeles market. With a robust presence on Instagram, she is an ideal ambassador for Skechers as the brand seeks to elevate its profile through on-court performance and off-court style.
"Being the first WNBA player to join the Skechers roster is an incredible feeling," Jackson shared with Nick DePaula. "The brand is a rising star in the sports world." Her involvement will include featured roles in brand campaigns, including in-store display imagery and upcoming footwear launches. Jackson's first project with Skechers sees her debuting the latest model from the brand’s basketball line, the SKX NEXUS, a low-top designed for speed, stability, and support. The silhouette is expected to release in 2025.
Greg Smith, who joined Skechers in 2021, has spearheaded the company’s strategic entry into the performance basketball space. Under his leadership, the brand has secured several key NBA endorsements, including New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle, LA Clippers forward Terance Mann, and 76ers star Joel Embiid. Jackson's signing represents Skechers' inaugural step into the WNBA, signaling a broader commitment to women's sports.
"We’re proud of the player relationships we’ve established as we enter our second year on the court in basketball," said Smith. "Signing a premier WNBA player like Rickea has always been one of our top priorities, which is why we’re so happy to partner with her."
As the partnership unfolds, Skechers and Jackson are poised to chart a course for future collaborations with an eye toward the 2025 season and beyond. "Their commitment to working with their players makes this partnership feel right," Jackson noted. "I’m excited about what lies ahead."
We’ll have to see if a signature model for Rickea Jackson is on the table for the coming years as we’ve seen more and more WNBA stars receiving their own signature sneaker, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
