Napheesa Collier vs. A’ja Wilson: The WNBA MVP Battle
The 2025 WNBA season was marked by an intense battle for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, with Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces as the main contenders. The competition, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, will be decided with the announcement of the winner this Sunday.
Collier, who dazzled in the All-Star Game with 36 points and the MVP trophy, seemed poised to win the league’s top prize. However, the injury suffered in August and Wilson’s performance changed the landscape.From 30-point games to top spots in the WNBA playoffs, A’ja Wilson, left, and Napheesa Collier have had MVP-worthy seasons.Wilson, who has already won three MVP awards, seeks to become the first player to obtain the award four times. Collier’s absence due to injury, which lasted seven games, allowed the Wilson-led Aces to string together a 16-game winning streak.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas also deserves consideration for her eight triple-doubles in the regular season, but the debate mainly focused on Wilson and Collier.
Although the playoffs have already begun and do not influence the MVP voting, the expectation is high. The award is based on the votes cast before the start of the postseason.
The season analysis reveals the key moments that marked this hard-fought competition.
May 7: Wilson led ESPN’s ranking of the top 25 WNBA players.
May 16: Collier scored 34 points in the season opener, marking a promising start.
June 17: The Lynx defeated the Aces, but Collier underperformed due to back discomfort.
June 27: Collier returned with 26 points after missing two games.
July 14: Collier rose to the top spot in ESPN’s mid-season ranking.
July 19: Collier shined in the All-Star Game with 36 points.
July 25: Collier led Minnesota’s victory over Las Vegas.
August 2: Collier was injured and missed several games, opening the door for Wilson.
August 3: The Aces began a winning streak after the loss to Minnesota.
August 10: Wilson had an outstanding performance with 32 points.
August 13-15: Wilson continued her streak with great performances.
August 19: Wilson led an important victory over Atlanta.
August 24: Collier returned with 32 points after his injury.
September 4: The Aces defeated the Lynx with a great performance by Wilson.
September 7: Wilson had her thirteenth game of the season with 30 or more points.
September 11: Collier and Wilson finished the regular season with impressive numbers.
Coach Becky Hammon compared Wilson to a gazelle and a lion, highlighting her versatility on the court.
Collier finished the season with averages of 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and became the second player in WNBA history to record a 50/40/90. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised Collier, stating that she deserves the MVP.
Wilson, for his part, averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, leading the league in scoring for the second consecutive season. The history of the MVP in the WNBA shows close races, like the one in 2023, where Breanna Stewart won the award, and the one in 2005, where Sheryl Swoopes surpassed Lauren Jackson by only two points.
