Full Breakdown
A'ja Wilson Confirms She Will Remain with Las Vegas Aces as WNBA Enters Historic Free-Agency Era
4/29/2026, 12:33:19 AM
Wilson Declares She Will Stay in Las Vegas
A'ja Wilson announced Friday that she has “no intentions of leaving the Las Vegas Aces.” Speaking at the USA Basketball camp at the Phoenix Mercury facility, Wilson said she “knows exactly where I am,” loves Vegas, and aims to “defend a championship that we have in Las Vegas.” Her comment comes as the WNBA begins its first free-agency period under a new collective bargaining agreement.
Background & Statistics: New CBA, Salary Landscape, and Wilson’s 2025 Performance
The 2025-2026 CBA lifts the league max salary from $249,244 to $1.4 million in 2026. The free-agency window closes before training camps on April 19. In 2025 Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, 1.6 steals and shot 50.5 %, earning MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. The new cap now permits contracts far above the previous $250 k ceiling for players of her stature.
Impact: Aces’ Title Defense and League-wide Implications
Wilson’s decision secures the Aces’ core—Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd—bolstering their title defense. It echoes Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu’s choice to stay with the New York Liberty, indicating that elite players may favor continuity over free-agency moves despite the new CBA.
Official Statements & Responses
Wilson stressed personal loyalty, noting that other considerations fall into place. League officials said the free-agency period aims to balance player choice with team stability. No other Aces representatives commented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know exactly where I am. I love Vegas. I'm not leaving Vegas. I'm looking to win another one. I'm looking to defend a championship that we have in Las Vegas. I'm looking to get better as a leader, as a player. Everything else just kind of falls in line.” — A'ja Wilson, MVP
- “When it comes to us, when the job has to be handled and done, we're always going to do it the right way.” — A'ja Wilson, MVP
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No contradictory statements about Wilson’s plans have been reported. Contract details under the new cap have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
An expansion draft is set for Friday, and free-agency must conclude before training camps open on April 19. Observers will watch if other stars follow Wilson’s example and how the Aces finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
