One most anticipated women's basketball merch drop of 2026 is finally here, and it's built on the jersey that broke the internet.
The NIL Store has officially partnered with the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to launch its first-ever WNBA Rookie Collection, a seven-player drop celebrating the most electrifying first-year talent entering the league this season.
If you've been paying attention to women's basketball merch over the past year, you already know what's coming: the iconic NIL Store throwback jersey mesh body is back, and this time it's dressed in the colors of the WNBA.
The Jersey That Started It All: Azzi Fudd's Viral Throwback
Before we talk rookies, we have to talk about the origin story.
Back in October, the NIL Store released the Azzi Fudd Throwback Jersey for UConn — and it took off in a way that no one in the college sports NIL merchandise space had seen before. The jersey became the top-selling product of 2025-26 on the NIL Store, going viral across TikTok, Instagram, and X as fans of women's basketball finally had a product that matched the energy they'd been pouring into the sport for years.
The secret? The throwback mesh body. Crafted from a 5.3 oz., 100% cotton midweight fabric, the jersey borrows from classic 90s athletic aesthetics with a boxy, oversized silhouette, a non-stitched rib collar, taped neck and shoulders, and double-needle hems that give it that throwback authenticity.
It's the kind of jersey that looks like it could've been hanging in someone's closet since 1994, but was made for the fans of today.
That blueprint is now the foundation of the entire WNBA Rookie Collection.
Introducing the WNBA Rookie Collection: 7 Players, 7 Stories, One Drop
The NIL Store x WNBPA Rookie Collection features seven of the most talked-about rookies entering the league this season. Each jersey uses the signature throwback mesh body with a bold black primary colorway, accented by colors that match each player's new WNBA team.
The result is a collection that feels simultaneously classic and current, perfect for fans who want to support their favorite players from day one.
Here's a closer look at every player in the collection:
🖤 Azzi Fudd - Dallas Wings
#1 Overall Pick | UConn Huskies
The queen of the NIL Store returns, this time in WNBA gear. Azzi Fudd, the consensus superstar out of UConn and the #1 overall selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft, heads to the Dallas Wings carrying the weight of one of the most hyped careers in women's basketball history.
Her throwback jersey was the spark that made this entire collection possible, and her Wings edition — black body with Dallas's signature navy and blue accents — is guaranteed to be the first to sell out. If you sleep on Azzi's jersey, you already know what happens.
🖤 Lauren Betts - Washington Mystics
National Champion | UCLA Bruins
Lauren Betts arrives in Washington as one of the most decorated forwards in recent college basketball history. The UCLA national champion brings elite post presence and a massive fanbase to the Spirit.
Her throwback jersey features the Mystics' red and black palette layered over the collection's signature black mesh body — a striking look for one of the most physically imposing players in this draft class.
🖤 Kiki Rice - Toronto Tempo
National Champion | UCLA Bruins
Kiki Rice is one of the most dynamic playmakers to come out of the college game in years. A key piece of UCLA's national championship run, Rice now takes her elite court vision and scoring ability to the newly established Toronto Tempo — making her one of the most exciting players to watch in a market that is electric about its first WNBA franchise.
Her jersey leans into the Tempo's bold branding, giving fans in Toronto and beyond something to wear with pride from the very first tip-off.
🖤 Gabriela Jaquez - Chicago Sky
National Champion | UCLA Bruins
Three UCLA Bruins in one collection, and all three are national champions. Gabriela Jaquez rounds out the Bruin trio, bringing her versatile game to the Chicago Sky. Known for her toughness, her basketball IQ, and her competitive edge, Jaquez is exactly the kind of player the Sky faithful will fall in love with.
Her throwback jersey plays with the Sky's signature blue and teal tones against the black base, making it one of the cleanest colorways in the entire drop.
🖤 Flau'Jae Johnson - Seattle Storm
LSU Tigers
Few players in women's college basketball generate as much energy as Flau'Jae Johnson. The LSU star - rapper, athlete, and cultural force - brings her talents to the Seattle Storm, one of the most storied franchises in WNBA history.
Her throwback jersey pairs the Storm's legendary green and gold with the collection's black body for one of the most eye-catching pieces in the drop. This one is going to move fast. Flau'Jae's fanbase is massive and loyal.
🖤 Raven Johnson - Indiana Fever
South Carolina Gamecocks
If you followed South Carolina basketball over the last few years, you know exactly who Raven Johnson is. A pillar of Dawn Staley's dynasty in Columbia, Johnson was a defensive stopper, a tough playmaker, and a winner. Now she joins the Indiana Fever - a franchise experiencing a genuine renaissance — and brings the kind of grit and toughness that Fever fans are going to absolutely adore.
Her throwback jersey in Fever gold and red over black is one of the most striking in the collection.
🖤 Olivia Miles — Minnesota Lynx
TCU Horned Frogs
Olivia Miles is one of the most compelling stories in this entire draft class. After a standout career at Notre Dame, Miles transferred to TCU and reminded everyone exactly what she's capable of — elite court vision, explosive playmaking, and the kind of competitive fire that elevates everyone around her. Now she takes that resilience to the Minnesota Lynx, one of the most championship-pedigreed franchises in WNBA history.
Her throwback jersey in Lynx green and silver over black is a perfect match for a player who has always found a way to shine. Minnesota fans are going to love her.
Why This Collection Matters
This is officially licensed NIL apparel in partnership with the players association, which means every purchase directly benefits the athletes. That's always been the NIL Store's model, and it's one of the reasons fans feel so good about buying here. You're putting money directly into the hands of the players you love.
Beyond the economics, this collection represents something bigger: the continued professionalization of women's basketball fandom. The sport has never been more popular. The talent entering the league this year is historically deep. And for the first time, fans can follow their favorite players from their college jerseys - where the NIL Store made its name - straight into the professional ranks with a cohesive, stylish product that honors that journey.
The throwback silhouette was built to bridge generations. That's never been more true than right now, as a generation of fans who grew up watching Azzi, Flau'Jae, Lauren, Kiki, Gabi, and Raven in college gets to watch them bloom into professionals, while wearing the same style of jersey that got them hooked in the first place.
How to Get Yours
The WNBA Rookie Collection is available now. Sizes run from XX-Small through 3X-Large.
Sizes are available across the full range, and the throwback fit is intentionally boxy - size down if you want a more traditional fit, or rock it oversized.
Shop the WNBA Rookie Collection now!
All NIL Store products are officially licensed. When you purchase through the NIL Store, athletes earn money directly from your order.
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