A'ja Wilson Declares She Will Remain with Las Vegas Aces Amid Historic Free Agency

Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson announced Friday she will stay with the Las Vegas Aces for 2026, rejecting any free-agency move. Her decision comes as the WNBA begins its first free-agency period under a new collective bargaining agreement that raises the maximum salary to $1.4 million for 2026, with a rise above $2.4 million by 2032. The free-agency window must close before training camps open on April 19, after Friday’s expansion draft.

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The Aces’ core includes Wilson, forward Jackie Young, guard Chelsea Gray and addition Jewell Loyd, the quartet that won the 2025 title. New York Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu have confirmed they will stay, highlighting a trend of elite players choosing continuity.

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Wilson posted a 2025 average of 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals, shooting 50.5 % from the field and earning MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors. The CBA lifts maximum contract from $249,244 in 2025 to $1.4 million in 2026, a six-fold increase.

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Wilson said her choice is a matter of heart, emphasizing she wants to “find your home” and “do it the right way.” She called the free-agency period a “challenge” that forces players to align decisions with values.

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Wilson’s stay bolsters the Aces’ title defense and suggests a shift toward player-team loyalty despite higher salaries elsewhere. The free-agency market will test whether other stars follow, shaping competitive balance and future salary structures.

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The expansion draft takes place Friday, after which teams must finalize free-agency contracts before training camps open on April 19. Observers will watch if additional marquee players mirror Wilson’s choice or explore new destinations under the expanded salary cap.

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• "I'm not looking," — A'ja Wilson, Player

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• "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, Player

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• "The challenge is just doing it," — A'ja Wilson, Player

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• "The challenge is getting it done. Finding your home. Finding what you feel like is what's right for you." — A'ja Wilson, Player

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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. I hope that when everyone's looking at their teams and where they want to go, I hope that they pick where their heart wants them to be." — A'ja Wilson, Player

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