University of Tennessee star and No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson announced Thursday that she has signed a shoe deal with Skechers. With the deal, the Los Angeles Sparks rookie became the first WNBA athlete to sign with the brand.
“Being the first WNBA player to join the Skechers roster is an incredible feeling,” Jackson said. “The brand is a rising star in the sports world.”
“Basketball is a sport that means a lot to me,” Jackson contnued. ” I’m just so blessed to be playing basketball. I just bring so much. I’m here with Sketchers because of it and it’s just an amazing thing.”
As part of the deal, Jackson will be highlighted in retail campaigns including in-store displays, and will lead upcoming footwear launches.
Her first photoshoot with the brand featured their upcoming SKX NEXUS sneaker, a low-top basketball shoe designed for “Speed, stability, and support” set to launch in 2025, according to Skechers VP of Product Development & Merchandising, Greg Smith.
“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,” Smith said.
Prior to being drafted, Jackson spent three seasons at Mississippi State Univeristy where she averaged 16.2 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists. In her last year as a Bulldog, Jackson averaged 20.3 points per game, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists while starting in every game.
After transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2022-23 season, Jackson averaged 19.7 points per game, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists after two seasons in Knoxville.
Off the court, Jackson was honored for her skill as a four-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, three-time All-SEC Tournament team and Tennesse Sports Writers Association’s Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
In her first year in the league, Jackson has averaged 11.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game and 1.2 assists per game.
As a Sketchers athlete, Jackson joins elite company with New York Knicks forward Julius Randle, LA Clippers forward Terance Mann, and 76ers center Joel Embiid. As the brand looks to move further into basketball and basketball-related apparel and footwear, Jackson is just the first of many talented players they look to sign.
“We’re proud of the player relationships we’ve established as we enter our second year on the court in basketball,” Smith said. “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.”
Amara Bullard is a Marketing + Media student at Loyola University in Chicago aspiring to work in basketball operations.
