Wilson Becomes the First Four-Time MVP, Winning Back to Back
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is now alone at the top of WNBA history, capturing her fourth MVP award. She previously won in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and was the unanimous choice last season. Until now, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson shared the record with three MVP titles each.
A Legacy Cemented Before Age 30
“It’s not going to hit me until the end of the season honestly; it is truly a blessing to be where I am,” Wilson said before Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals against Indiana. “My name is in the history books forever.”
Coach Becky Hammon praised Wilson’s dominance: “Everyone talks about the Mount Rushmore of basketball faces. … There’s no Mount Rushmore, you’re the only one, you’re Everest.”
League Surprise With Bam Adebayo Present
Wilson’s MVP announcement came with a surprise ceremony. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and her boyfriend, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, presented the trophy during Aces practice. Fighting back tears, Wilson told her teammates: “It has my name on it, but it’s all of us. There is no (award) without each and every last one of you guys.”
Defensive Dominance Adds to Historic Season
Wilson also shared Defensive Player of the Year honors with Minnesota’s Alanna Smith, marking her third DPOY in four years. Earlier this month, she was named the AP Player of the Year.
MVP Voting Results
Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier finished second in the MVP race for the second straight year with 534 points and 18 first-place votes. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas placed third with 291 points and three first-place votes. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (180) and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (93) rounded out the top five.
