A’ja Wilson, the star of the Las Vegas Aces, has made history by becoming the first player in the WNBA to win four MVP awards. This achievement comes after a season where Wilson demonstrated her dominance, securing the coveted individual title for the second consecutive year, as announced by the league on Sunday. The battle for MVP was intense, with Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx as a strong contender. However, Wilson prevailed with 51 first-place votes and a total of 657 points, surpassing Collier, who obtained 18 first-place votes and 534 points. Other outstanding players were also finalists: Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury, Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream, and Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever. The award presentation to Wilson was an emotional surprise, carried out on Friday by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat player and Wilson’s partner, at the end of a training session.
This new recognition places Wilson above legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who each have three MVP awards. In 2024, Wilson joined Cynthia Cooper as the only players to be unanimously selected MVP. Cooper is also the only one to have won the award in consecutive seasons (1997 and 1998).It hasn’t been easy for us. We were written off. They looked down on us, but we showed up every day… This bears my name, but it’s thanks to all of you. There’s no prize without each and every one of you.
A’ja Wilson
Wilson, also awarded the MVP in 2020 and 2022, led the WNBA with an average of 23.4 points and 2.3 blocks per game. In addition, she contributed 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. She was named Defensive Player of the Year along with Alanna Smith of the Lynx. Coach Becky Hammon predicts an even brighter future for Wilson, suggesting she could win several more MVP awards in the years to come. Wilson highlighted that this season presented unique challenges, especially due to the team’s ups and downs until August, when they began a record-breaking winning streak. Hammon praised Wilson’s leadership, emphasizing his impact on the team. The Aces’ performance, driven by Wilson, led them to a 30-14 record in the regular season and second place in the playoffs. The team won its first game of the first round against the Seattle Storm, and after losing the second game, advanced to the semifinals for the seventh consecutive year. Wilson emphasized his mental growth and his ability to read the defense, key aspects for his continued success. Coach Hammon highlighted Wilson’s youth and his unlimited potential. Wilson’s dominance this year was even more notable, as his name was not considered a favorite at the beginning of the season, despite his previous performance. This served as motivation to focus on improving and leading his team. Wilson and the Aces will face the Indiana Fever in the semifinals, starting on Sunday. Wilson expressed his focus on the game and his determination to achieve victory.There is no Mount Rushmore. You are the only one. You are Everest.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
