A'ja Wilson Confirms She Will Remain with the Las Vegas Aces Amid Historic Free-Agency Period

A'ja Wilson told reporters on Friday that she has “no intentions of leaving” the Las Vegas Aces. She emphasized her desire to defend the team’s championship, improve as a leader, and let “everything else just kind of fall in line.” Wilson’s statement underscores a personal commitment to the franchise that began with the 2018 draft.

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The WNBA entered a new collective bargaining agreement that revamps the salary structure and triggers an unprecedented free-agency window. Nearly every player not on a rookie contract will become a free agent, having timed their deals to expire after the 2025 season to benefit from the new pay scale. The league’s maximum salary jumps from $249,244 in 2025 to $1.4 million in 2026, with projections of $2.4 million by 2032. An expansion draft is scheduled for Friday, and free agency must conclude before training camps open on April 19.

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Wilson, a four-time MVP and three-time champion, has spent her entire eight-year career with the Aces. The franchise’s core also includes guard Jackie Young, veteran Chelsea Gray, and forward Jewell Loyd, who joined in 2023 and helped secure the title. Across the league, fellow stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu announced they will remain with the New York Liberty, illustrating a broader trend of marquee players opting for continuity.

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In the 2025 season, Wilson posted averages of 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals while shooting 50.5 % from the field. Her statistical dominance contributed to the Aces’ championship run and earned her MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year honors. The new salary ceiling creates the potential for Wilson and other elite players to command contracts exceeding $1 million, a stark contrast to the previous maximum of $249,244.

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Wilson’s decision to stay bolsters the Aces’ chances of defending their title and may influence other free agents to prioritize team chemistry over market size. Retaining a core group could reduce roster turnover, affecting league parity and shaping competitive dynamics in the upcoming season. The broader free-agency landscape will test how the new CBA reshapes player mobility and compensation.

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The Aces’ organization echoed Wilson’s sentiment, noting that the team will “continue to build around our championship core” and that contract negotiations will align with the league’s new financial framework. League officials confirmed that the free-agency timeline and expansion draft will proceed as scheduled, with all teams required to finalize rosters before the April 19 training-camp deadline.

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Public sources have not disclosed the specific contract terms Wilson is pursuing, nor have they provided detailed comments from Aces management regarding salary allocations under the new CBA. Information on the intentions of other high-profile free agents remains limited.

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• “I'm not looking,” Wilson said Friday morning. “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, WNBA star

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• “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, reflecting on player decisions

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The expansion draft takes place Friday, free agency runs through early April, and training camps begin on April 19, setting the stage for the 2026 WNBA season.

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