A’ja Wilson Secures Fifth WNBA MVP Award, Makes History

A’ja Wilson, the star player of the Las Vegas Aces, added another accolade to her impressive basketball career on Thursday. She became the first player in WNBA history to win five MVP awards. This achievement marks her third consecutive MVP title, adding to her already illustrious record.

Wilson’s coach, Becky Hammon, praised her as one of the greatest players in basketball, highlighting Wilson’s NCAA championship win at South Carolina in addition to her WNBA success.

“(As) I said, take her off Mount Rushmore — she’s Everest.”

Hammon emphasized that talent alone doesn’t ensure success. Wilson’s achievements demonstrate her commitment and skill, leading her team and excelling individually. Despite not having her most statistically impressive season, Wilson topped the league with 26.2 points per game and led in blocks, maintaining her dominance on the court.

Former WNBA stars Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson held multiple MVP titles, trading the awards mostly between 2000 and 2010. Wilson surpassed them by securing her fourth MVP in 2025. Her fifth award places her alongside NBA legends like Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan.

During her press conference, Wilson expressed gratitude for these milestones, highlighting the importance of setting standards and etching her place in history.

“If you’re able to set a standard, if you’re able to rewrite things, and kind of etch yourself into history books, it means a lot,” Wilson said.

Wilson was overwhelmingly chosen as MVP, gathering nearly all first-place votes. Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell followed her in the rankings.

Wilson faces a new challenge in guiding the Aces against the Golden State Valkyries in the playoffs, a task that could further cement her legacy. Game 3 is set for Friday night in Las Vegas.