Get ready to see Rickea Jackson in much more than just WNBA matchups.

      In today's world, sports encompass more than just the action on the court, field, or track. A significant portion of the excitement surrounding athletes occurs before their competitions, particularly when they arrive at their venues and display their latest fashion choices. In basketball, this is known as a tunnel 'fit, while in Formula One, it's referred to as a paddock 'fit. The attire athletes don while off-duty is important, especially for fans who may never have the chance to interact with their idols. Clothing serves as an effective means of communication—a glimpse into the personality and values of a favorite athlete. That's the essence of Go Sports. While we pay attention to game statistics, Free Practice 1 results (even at 3:00 a.m.), and rivalries reminiscent of reality TV drama, sports fashion is increasingly significant, and we’re proud to acknowledge it.

      After a five-year NCAA women's basketball career at the University of Tennessee and Mississippi State, Rickea Jackson, a 6'2'' small forward from Detroit, Michigan, was selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in May 2024. Just two months later, she made history by becoming the first WNBA player to sign with Skechers, joining Olympic gold medalist Joel Embiid—the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player and center for the Philadelphia 76ers—along with Julius Randle, the 2021 NBA Most Improved Player and power forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves. "Joining Skechers was a deliberate choice for me," Jackson shares over the phone from Los Angeles, where she is shooting a campaign for the brand's new SKX Full-Court Press basketball shoes and a lifestyle sneaker called the Hotshot. "Being the first WNBA player associated with this brand sends a strong message." Unlike other sneaker brands in the league, Skechers is building its presence from the ground up. "It felt like we were rookies together," she explains. For Jackson, the partnership felt like the right fit for her career at this point.

      Jackson has emerged as one of the most notable dressers in the WNBA tunnel, but when selecting sneakers for on-court use, aesthetics were not her top priority. "It's not just about how the shoe looks," she emphasizes. Are they comfortable? Do they feel good on her feet? These are the questions she needed answers to before making her choice. "[Skechers] consistently prioritizes what truly matters for longevity in the league," Jackson points out. "What impressed me was their dedication to performance and innovation—they genuinely listen to athletes' needs." Aesthetics still hold significance, especially for someone like Jackson, who is passionate about fashion and style off the court. "I appreciate the confidence I get from the shoe's appearance as well," she remarks. "You look good; you play good." This mentality resonates with many in the WNBA, a league that has wholeheartedly embraced fashion and the tunnel culture in recent years. Various brands have collaborated with the league, including Off-White partnering with the New York Liberty and luxury brands engaging with athletes like Caitlin Clark and Prada. Coach announced at the 2025 WNBA Draft its new role as the league's official handbag sponsor, dressing draftees such as Paige Bueckers (who wore both Coach and Louis Vuitton on draft night), Aneesah Morrow, and Hailey Van Lith. In the 2024 season, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink collaborated with Revolve to bring their tunnel 'fits to life. This year, renowned stylist Karla Welch worked with Kelsey Plum, Jackson's teammate on the Sparks. Players are establishing their own brands, becoming style influencers, and influencing each other's choices. Similar to the NBA, NFL, and F1, the role of fashion in the WNBA is rapidly expanding.

      Jackson recalls that during her time in Knoxville, her team didn't prioritize fashion. They made attempts here and there, but being in Tennessee meant limited access to unique brands in stores, leading her and her teammates to mostly wear hoodies and leggings. "It was very average," she says. "The outfits were lackluster." Upon entering the league, everything changed. Most players now dress up for games, showcasing their finest designer bags and standout looks. "It was exciting for me to explore my style," she mentions. Playing in L.A., where diverse aesthetics and brands are abundant, allowed Jackson to understand what her style isn’t as well. "I feel like L.A. leans more toward baggy shorts and baggy jerseys—that's not me," she says. "[My style is] very fun, sexy, girly, and flexible." She believes style is subjective: "I don't want to be confined to a specific category."

      This season, Jackson is collaborating with designer Quieesha Burns, known in the industry as Corii Burns, for her home games at the Crypto.com Arena. "She's worked in Paris and has her own fashion show, so collaborating