Full Breakdown
A'ja Wilson Reaffirms Commitment to Las Vegas Aces as WNBA Enters Free-Agency
5/8/2026, 11:39:23 PM
Wilson Reaffirms Commitment to the Aces
Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson announced Friday she will stay with the Las Vegas Aces for 2026, rejecting free agency. Speaking at the USA Basketball training camp in Phoenix, Wilson said she “knows exactly where she is,” loves Vegas, and wants to “defend a championship that we have in Las Vegas.” Her decision comes as the league prepares for an unprecedented free-agency period under a new collective bargaining agreement.
New CBA and Free-Agency Landscape
The 2025 collective bargaining agreement raises the league’s maximum salary from $249,244 to $1.4 million in 2026, with a $2.4 million ceiling by 2032. It also triggers free agency for nearly all non-rookie players, a first in WNBA history. An expansion draft is set for Friday, and negotiations must finish before training camps open on April 19.
Core Players and Team Structure
Wilson’s tenure has produced three titles. The Aces intend to keep their core quartet—Wilson, guard Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and recent addition Jewell Loyd—who won the 2025 championship. Wilson joins fellow stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who also confirmed they will stay with the New York Liberty.
Performance Data and Salary Landscape
In 2025 Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals while shooting 50.5 % from the field. The new salary cap permits a player of her caliber to earn up to $1.4 million next season, a rise from the prior $249,244 ceiling.
Why It Matters
Wilson’s stay secures the Aces’ championship core, indicating that elite talent can prioritize continuity over market-driven contracts. The decision adds to the league’s free-agency landscape and influences roster strategies, affecting competitive balance.
Official Statements & Responses
Wilson said her focus is on “getting better as a leader, as a player” and that “everything else just kind of falls in line.” She called free agency a “challenge” of finding the right fit and urged players to follow their hearts. Management gave no comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
What’s Next
The expansion draft takes place Friday, followed by a free-agency window that must close before the April 19 training-camp start. The Aces are expected to finalize contracts with Wilson and the rest of their core, setting the stage for the 2026 season.
