Full Breakdown
A'ja Wilson Commits to Las Vegas Aces as WNBA Enters Historic Free-Agency Era
5/12/2026, 10:56:51 PM
Wilson’s Commitment to Stay in Las Vegas
Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson announced Friday that she will not leave the Las Vegas Aces. Speaking at the USA Basketball national team training camp in Phoenix, Wilson said she knows where she is, loves Vegas, and intends to defend the Aces’ championship. She added that staying aligns with her goal to improve as a leader and player. The Aces plan to keep their core—Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd.
Background: New CBA and Free Agency
The league’s new collective bargaining agreement resets the salary scale and creates an unprecedented free-agency period in which almost every non-rookie will become a free agent. The maximum salary jumps from $249,244 in 2025 to a projected $1.4 million in 2026, with potential growth beyond $2.4 million by 2032. The free-agency window must close before training camps begin on April 19, after the expansion draft scheduled for Friday. Wilson’s announcement mirrors those of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who also confirmed they will remain with the New York Liberty.
Why It Matters: Team Continuity and League Stability
Wilson’s decision preserves a championship-winning core, limiting the roster turnover that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. In 2025 she averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals while shooting 50.5 % from the field, statistics that anchor the Aces’ on-court success. The Aces’ plan to retain Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd reflects a strategy to maintain continuity amid the league’s uncertain free-agency landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
“I'm not looking,” Wilson said Friday morning. “I know exactly where I am. I love Vegas. I'm not leaving Vegas.” — A'ja Wilson, WNBA star
“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
“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: Draft, Free-Agency and Training Camp
The expansion draft will be held Friday, after which a league-wide free-agency window opens and must close before training camps start on April 19. The Aces are expected to finalize contracts with Wilson and the rest of their core, setting the roster.
