Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, got praise for her directorial work for the new Nike ad featuring WNBA star A’Ja Wilson.
A’ja Wilson’s latest Nike Instagram ad for her signature A’One sneakers has taken the sports world by storm, generating excitement among fans and fellow athletes alike. Directed by Malia Obama, the ad is a heartfelt tribute to Black girlhood, weaving in nostalgic elements that resonate deeply with viewers.
On X, fans expressed how the ad moved them and hyped them up, also pointing out the cultural references and how it handled representation well.
“That new A’ja Wilson Nike commercial 🔥🔥🔥 wow!!! Give everybody a raise!! The representation was on point!! & it was directed by Malia Obama 👏🏾👏🏾,” one fan said.
That new A’ja Wilson Nike commercial 🔥🔥🔥 wow!!! Give everybody a raise!! The representation was on point!! & it was directed by Malia Obama 👏🏾👏🏾
— Sheneneh (@ForeverSha_Nana) May 5, 2025
The video, titled “ONE OF A’KIND,” features A’ja Wilson engaging in childhood clapping games, a nod to the formative experiences that shaped her journey to basketball greatness. The ad also highlights cultural symbols like majorette dancing, church traditions, and personalized hair accessories, reinforcing Wilson’s connection to her roots. The campaign’s authenticity and emotional depth have made it one of Nike’s most celebrated releases, with fans praising its intentional storytelling and powerful visuals.
Not long after it was launched, social media buzzing over its attention to detail and cultural significance.
The campaign also received praise from fellow athletes, including WNBA stars and NBA players, who applauded Wilson’s ability to blend sports and culture in a meaningful way. The ad’s playground chant, which celebrates Wilson’s rise to greatness, became an instant hit, with viewers eager to learn the lyrics and join in the excitement.
The Nike A’One, A’ja Wilson’s first signature basketball shoe, will be available in the “Pink A’ura” colorway, featuring shades of Hyper Pink, Polarized Pink, Arctic Punch, and Laser Pink.
Malia Obama Involves Herself in Sports, but Not as an Athlete
Malia Obama has not been heavily involved in sports as an athlete, but she has shown interest in sports-related storytelling and media projects. Most recently, she directed the Nike commercial for WNBA star A’ja Wilson’s signature A’One sneakers, which focused on themes of Black girlhood and cultural identity.
Beyond directing, Malia has occasionally attended major sporting events, including NBA games and tennis tournaments, but she has not pursued a career in athletics. Her focus has primarily been on film and television, where she has worked on screenwriting projects with major studios.
Malia Obama is the eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, known for her work in film and media.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
