A'ja Wilson Wins Record 5th WNBA MVP Award

A'ja Wilson stays after every practice to fine-tune her shooting touch, and that extra work just earned her a place in basketball history that no other WNBA player has ever reached.

The Las Vegas Aces center became the first player to win the WNBA MVP award five times on Thursday, breaking out of a tie with legends Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson. Wilson also made history as the first player to win the award three years in a row, adding to her previous wins in 2020 and 2022.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris called Wilson personally to congratulate her on redefining greatness in the league. "A woman of our history, and I'm so appreciative to be able to share that moment with her," Wilson said.

The 30-year-old dominated the season with 26.2 points per game while shooting nearly 53 percent from the field. She also averaged 9.4 rebounds, a career-best 3.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

Wilson's mother Eva presented her daughter with the trophy surrounded by all five of her MVP awards. The moment brought tears to Wilson's eyes, more than any previous win.

"Fifteen-year-old A'ja wasn't sitting up here dreaming about being a five-time MVP," Wilson said. "She wasn't dreaming about being a three-time champion. She was dreaming about surviving this world."

Why This Inspires

Wilson's journey shows what happens when natural talent meets relentless dedication. Every extra shot after practice, every drill perfected when no one was watching, built the foundation for a career that now stands alone in WNBA history.

Her achievements put her in conversation with NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Bill Russell, who each won five MVPs. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has more with six.

Wilson received 65 first-place votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, earning 713 total points. Minnesota's Olivia Miles finished second with 442 points, followed by Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark.

Despite the historic achievement, Wilson's focus remains on her team. The Aces are down 2-0 in their semifinal series against Golden State, with Game 3 on Friday.

"Tomorrow, when it comes to hoisting it in front of the fans, I doubt I will be doing that," Wilson said Thursday. "I'll be warming up with my team."

A teenager who once dreamed just of surviving has become the most decorated player in WNBA history.