Full Breakdown
A'ja Wilson Reaffirms Commitment to Las Vegas Aces Amid Historic WNBA Free Agency
5/15/2026, 12:09:11 AM
Wilson’s Commitment: No Plans to Leave Las Vegas
Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson told reporters she is not looking to leave Las Vegas, loves the city, and aims to defend the Aces’ championship while growing as a leader and player, and to continue defending the title.
CBA Overhaul and Historic Free Agency
The league’s new collective bargaining agreement raises the maximum salary from $249,244 in 2025 to $1.4 million in 2026 and triggers a free-agency period for nearly all non-rookie players after the 2025 season. The agreement also lets players schedule contract expirations for 2025 to benefit from the new scale.
Aces Core and Other Player Retentions
The Aces intend to keep their core quartet—Wilson, guard Jackie Young, veteran Chelsea Gray, and recent addition Jewell Loyd—while Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu similarly confirmed staying with the New York Liberty. The core group contributed to the Aces' most recent title.
Salary Cap and Wilson’s 2025 Performance
Wilson’s 2025 averages—23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, 1.6 steals on 50.5 % shooting—underscore the financial stakes introduced by the higher salary ceiling. These numbers highlight the contrast with the league’s previous salary cap.
Impact on Team and League
Wilson’s pledge reinforces the Aces’ championship outlook, offers roster stability, and illustrates how the new pay structure forces players to weigh loyalty against substantially higher earnings.
Official Statements
Wilson emphasized loyalty, a desire to defend the title, and following one’s heart when choosing a team. League officials said free agency must close before training camps on April 19, with the expansion draft slated for Friday.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No conflicting statements about Wilson’s intentions or the CBA details appear in the sources.
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
- “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: Free Agency, Expansion Draft, and Training Camp
The expansion draft occurs Friday; teams must finalize free-agency moves before the April 19 training-camp deadline. Wilson’s confirmed stay gives the Aces a clear roster foundation for the upcoming season.
