History was made in the WNBA this week, as Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson cemented her legacy by winning her fourth Most Valuable Player award—an achievement no other player in league history has matched. The moment was as dramatic as it was emotional, with Wilson's family and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert surprising her at the end of practice on September 19, 2025. Miami Heat standout Bam Adebayo, Wilson's boyfriend, was also on hand to present the coveted trophy, adding a personal touch to a career-defining milestone.
"It's not going to hit me until the end of the season honestly; it is truly a blessing to be where I am. I don't think I could ever put into words how special this moment is," Wilson reflected, her voice tinged with humility and gratitude. She addressed her teammates after the ceremony, saying, "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." Her words, full of emotion, resonated throughout the Aces' practice facility and across the league.
Wilson's fourth MVP award comes after previous wins in 2020, 2022, and 2024, propelling her past WNBA legends Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, each of whom won the honor three times. The 29-year-old forward has become synonymous with excellence, not just for her individual accolades but for her relentless drive to elevate her team. This season, Wilson also secured her third Co-Defensive Player of the Year award in four years, sharing the honor with Minnesota Lynx's Alanna Smith. Her dual recognition as both the league's top player and one of its defensive anchors is a testament to her all-around impact.
Wilson's 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. She led the WNBA in scoring with 23.4 points per game and was the league's top shot-blocker, averaging 2.3 blocks per contest. Her stat line reads like something out of a video game: for the second consecutive season, she averaged at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal per game—numbers no other player has reached in a single season while playing at least 15 games. She also shot 50% from the field, recorded 21 double-doubles, and notched 25 games with at least 20 points.
As if those numbers weren't enough, Wilson became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points this season. On September 8, she set another league record with her 13th 30-plus point game of the year. The milestones just keep piling up for the former University of South Carolina standout, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft after a decorated collegiate career under coach Dawn Staley. Staley, always effusive in her praise, congratulated Wilson on social media: "To have achieved MVP in half of the years you have been in the league is truly amazing. We are proud of the work you put in every off season—you make it count on the biggest stage. The Sky is not your limit! GOD IS."
Wilson's leadership was crucial in the Aces' late-season surge. After an up-and-down start that saw Las Vegas sitting at 11-11 at the All-Star break, Wilson spearheaded a remarkable turnaround. The Aces went 19-3 in the second half of the season, rattling off 16 straight wins to close out the regular season and secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with a 30-14 record. Along the way, she was honored as the AP Player of the Year, further solidifying her place atop the women's basketball hierarchy.
The MVP race was fiercely contested, with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier finishing as the runner-up for the second straight season, earning 534 points and 18 first-place votes. Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas came in third with 291 points and three first-place nods. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray, who played alongside Wilson at South Carolina, and Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell rounded out the top five. Wilson received 51 of the 72 first-place votes, a dominant showing that reflected her overwhelming influence on the court.
But even the best have their off days. Just hours after receiving her historic fourth MVP trophy, Wilson and the Aces faced a tough Indiana Fever squad in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals. The Fever, led by a stifling defensive effort from Aliyah Boston, managed to "annoy" Wilson into a rare shooting slump. Wilson finished with 16 points on 6-of-22 shooting, missing 14 shots around the rim—including four from inside the restricted area. Boston guarded Wilson on 35 possessions, holding her to just 1-for-11 shooting and a 16.7% effective field goal percentage when matched up.
"We know she's the MVP, the best player in the world at the moment, so we just tried to make all her buckets tough," Fever forward Brianna Turner explained. The Fever's strategy was to contest every shot, limit Wilson's trips to the free-throw line (just five attempts, well below her postseason average), and force the Aces to rely on their supporting cast. Jackie Young led Las Vegas with 19 points, while Dana Evans and Chelsea Gray chipped in 14 and 13, respectively. Despite a spirited 10-0 run in the third quarter that brought the Aces within four points, foul trouble and a retaliatory Fever burst left Las Vegas trailing by double digits entering the fourth. The Aces ultimately fell 89-73, shooting 40% from the field and just 29.4% from beyond the arc.
Coach Becky Hammon put it succinctly: "Honestly, she had a lot of great looks and she just missed. It happens. Even the greatest players have off nights where they miss. ... She had some good looks, but I thought all of us had some decent looks." The series is far from over, though. Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Las Vegas, and the Aces will be looking to bounce back, knowing that Wilson's resilience and drive have powered them through adversity before.
As the playoffs continue and the Aces fight to defend their championship hopes, A'ja Wilson's name is already etched in the annals of basketball greatness. Her journey—marked by records, awards, and an unwavering commitment to her team—serves as an inspiration to fans and athletes alike. With the semifinals heating up and the MVP trophy in her hands once again, all eyes remain fixed on Wilson and the Aces as they chase another title.
