Making History: A'ja Wilson Becomes First Four-Time WNBA MVP
Las Vegas Aces superstar breaks league record, cementing her place among basketball legends
In a moment that will be remembered for generations, A'ja Wilson has officially entered uncharted territory in women's professional basketball. The Las Vegas Aces center made history Sunday by becoming the first player in WNBA history to win four Most Valuable Player awards, adding another chapter to her already legendary career.
Wilson dominated the voting with 51 first-place votes and 657 total points, easily outdistancing Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who finished second with 18 first-place votes and 534 points. The victory wasn't just decisive – it was a statement about Wilson's continued dominance in the league she has helped define.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Wilson, who previously won MVP honors in 2020, 2022, and 2024, broke out of a four-way tie with basketball legends Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lauren Jackson, who each captured three MVP awards. At 29 years old, Wilson isn't just making history – she's rewriting it entirely.
"This moment feels surreal," Wilson said in her acceptance speech. "To be mentioned alongside those incredible women who paved the way for players like me, and now to stand alone in this record – it's humbling and empowering at the same time."
The Journey to Greatness
Wilson's path to basketball immortality began in the heart of South Carolina. Growing up in Hopkins, South Carolina, she was a multi-sport athlete who dominated both basketball and volleyball at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. As a senior, she averaged an astounding 34.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 57 percent from the field, leading her team to the 2014 state championship.
Her college career at the University of South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley was nothing short of spectacular. Wilson holds the South Carolina program record for points (2,389), blocks (363), and blocks per game (2.6). She was named National Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in her debut season.
But it was her impact on the program's culture that truly set Wilson apart. She helped transform South Carolina from a good program into a national powerhouse, leading the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA Championship in 2017. Her jersey now hangs in the rafters of Colonial Life Arena, a testament to her lasting impact on the program.
WNBA Dominance
Selected first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson wasted no time making her mark on professional basketball. Her rookie season served notice that something special had arrived in Las Vegas, but few could have predicted the sustained excellence that would follow.
Wilson's MVP awards tell the story of consistent greatness: 2020, her first championship; 2022, leading the Aces to their first WNBA title; 2024, her third MVP; and now 2025, making history with her fourth. She helped lead the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, earning Finals MVP honors in 2023.
Her 2023 Finals performance was legendary, averaging 23.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while leading the Aces to their second consecutive championship. Wilson has proven she's not just a regular season star – she's clutch when it matters most.
More Than Statistics
While Wilson's numbers are undoubtedly impressive, her impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. She's become the face of women's basketball, using her platform to advocate for equity in sports and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Her leadership on and off the court has helped elevate the entire WNBA. Wilson's success has contributed to South Carolina's remarkable pipeline to professional basketball, with eight former Gamecocks appearing in the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
"A'ja represents everything that's great about our league," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "Her excellence, her leadership, and her commitment to growing women's basketball make her not just an MVP, but a true ambassador for our sport."
The Legacy Continues
At 29, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. Her fourth MVP award isn't just a career milestone – it's a statement that her reign atop women's basketball is far from over. With the Aces positioned for another championship run and Wilson in the prime of her career, the question isn't whether she'll win more awards, but how many records she'll shatter along the way.
For young girls watching Wilson dominate the hardwood, she represents possibility. She's proof that with dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in yourself, you can not only reach your dreams but exceed them in ways you never imagined.
As Wilson hoisted her fourth MVP trophy, she wasn't just celebrating personal achievement – she was celebrating the growth of women's basketball and paving the way for future generations to dream even bigger.
In a league filled with incredible talent and inspiring stories, A'ja Wilson has written herself into history as the greatest regular season performer the WNBA has ever seen. Four MVPs. Two championships. One legacy that will last forever.
The queen of women's basketball has made her statement, and she's just getting started.
A'ja Wilson's four MVP awards (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025) represent the most in WNBA history. She joins an exclusive club of players to win the award in back-to-back seasons and remains the cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces' championship dynasty.
