A’ja Wilson has etched her name in WNBA history by claiming an unprecedented fourth MVP award in 2025, further solidifying her status as one of the most dynamic players in the league. Leading her team, the Las Vegas Aces, to their third championship in just four seasons, Wilson’s achievements are remarkable both individually and as a team leader.
This stellar performance earned her the prestigious title of The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, marking the first time in her career she has received this honor. It also signifies a continuation of excellence in women’s basketball, following Caitlin Clark’s win in 2024. “It’s an honor when you think about the group of women who have won before,” Wilson remarked in a recent phone interview. “Just to have my name be a part of it, I’m blessed.”
A rare accolade in itself, Wilson joins a distinguished group of only five basketball players to be recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year since its inception in 1931. She stands alongside legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, Candace Parker, and Caitlin Clark, marking a significant milestone in her career and in women’s sports history.
The voting was conducted by a panel of 47 sports journalists from the Associated Press and its affiliates. Wilson led the votes with 17, while tennis star Aryna Sabalenka followed with nine votes, and Paige Bueckers garnered five. Aces coach Becky Hammon emphasized Wilson’s uniqueness, stating, “The things she’s done on the court have never been done. To me, she’s in a category all her own. People always ask who’s on your Mount Rushmore? I’m saying she’s on Everest — there’s nobody up there with her.”
On the road to her MVP title, Wilson faced a significantly different season compared to her previous campaigns. The Aces entered the final month with a .500 record, threatening to miss the playoffs altogether after enduring a record-breaking 53-point loss against the Minnesota Lynx. Yet, Wilson’s tenacity shone through as she led her team to an impressive 16 straight victories, securing the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
Reflecting on the challenges of the season, Wilson stated, “This season I found myself through the adversity and mud we went through.” Despite her performance being comparable to her unanimous MVP season the previous year, she faced skepticism regarding her ongoing dominance, which she transformed into motivation. Leading the league with an impressive 23.4 points and 2.3 blocks per game, Wilson remained undaunted by outside opinions. “I’m just going to continue to prove why I’m one of the greatest and why my team is part of a dynamic dynasty,” she asserted.
Wilson elevated her game even further during the playoffs, demonstrating resilient leadership through high-stakes matches. Her contributions were pivotal in overcoming pressure-packed situations, particularly in decisive games of the quarterfinals and semifinals. The Aces ultimately triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury in a clean sweep of the WNBA Finals, with Wilson hitting the winning shot in Game 3.
As ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo noted, “Every year, you wonder how she’ll get better, and she always does.” Expectations surround Wilson wherever she goes, intensified by her remarkable comparison to her past achievements. Notably, this season, she broke a tie with basketball icons Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, all having won the WNBA MVP three times.
Looking ahead, Wilson finds herself at a crossroads, having become a free agent at the end of the season. With ongoing negotiations concerning a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players’ union, she is poised for a significant pay increase yet is widely expected to return to the Aces. During this offseason, she plans to take a break from overseas play and the domestic 3-on-3 league, focusing on self-care and relaxation.
In her personal life, Wilson marked a significant life moment by meeting her idol, Beyoncé, at a Formula 1 race in Las Vegas. “It was super cool. Beyoncé is someone that I’ve always wanted to meet because I just admired her work,” Wilson said, reflecting on the experience that further underscores her remarkable journey.
As an athlete and role model, Wilson has taken significant steps to inspire others beyond her play on the court. Collaborating with Nike, she launched her own shoe and clothing line, which captivated fans and sold out within minutes. “Every day, it’s a gentle reminder that you know it’s a special moment that we’re living in and I’m so grateful when I look back on it,” she shared, illustrating her passion for connecting with her community through her brand.