Full Breakdown
A'ja Wilson Makes WNBA History with Fourth MVP Award
9/24/2025, 3:30:58 PM
Historic Achievement in the WNBA
A'ja Wilson, center for the Las Vegas Aces, has made history by being named the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for a record fourth time during the 2025 season. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Hall of Famers Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who each won the award three times. Wilson's remarkable season included leading the league in scoring with an average of 23.4 points per game, alongside 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Wilson's MVP win was solidified after a strong finish to the season, where the Aces overcame a midseason slump to end with a 16-game winning streak. She received 657 total points in the MVP voting, including 51 of 72 first-place votes, outpacing Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier and Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas.
A'ja Wilson's Season Highlights
In addition to her MVP award, Wilson also co-won the Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, marking her third time receiving this honor. She led the league in blocks per game and was highly ranked in steals. Throughout the season, Wilson set a new single-season record for the number of games scoring 30 or more points and became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points.
Alanna Smith's Defensive Recognition
Alongside Wilson, Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx was also named co-recipient of the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Smith's performance included setting a franchise record for blocks in a season and contributing significantly to the Lynx's defensive success, which ranked first in the league for defensive rating. Smith's achievement makes her the first Australian to win the award since Lauren Jackson in 2007.
Official Statements & Responses
After receiving her MVP award, Wilson expressed gratitude towards her teammates, stating, “They counted us out and wrote us all off, but we showed up every single day. It has my name on it… but this is for all of us.” Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised Wilson's impact on the game, asserting, “By the time it’s all said and done, she will be the greatest to ever do it… Four [MVPs] already says she is.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Wilson's achievements have been celebrated, some analysts have pointed out that her MVP win was aided by the injury of her closest competitor, Napheesa Collier, who missed several weeks of the season. Critics argue that the MVP race can often be influenced by circumstances beyond a player's control.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They counted us out and wrote us all off, but we showed up every single day. It has my name on it… but this is for all of us.” — A'ja Wilson, WNBA MVP
- “By the time it’s all said and done, she will be the greatest to ever do it… Four [MVPs] already says she is.” — Becky Hammon, Aces Head Coach
What's Next
As the Aces advance into the playoffs, they aim to secure a third WNBA championship, building on the momentum of Wilson's historic season. The next challenge for the Aces will be against the Indiana Fever on September 23, 2025.
