Las Vegas – A’ja Wilson added another milestone to her already impressive basketball résumé on Thursday, becoming the WNBA’s first five‑time Most Valuable Player. The Las Vegas Aces forward captured the award for the third consecutive season, a historic three‑peat that underscores her dominance in the league.
Historic achievement
Wilson’s fifth MVP places her in elite company with NBA legends Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar and Michael Jordan, the only men to have earned at least five MVP honors. In the WNBA, she now surpasses Hall of Famers Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson, who each held four MVP trophies.
Season performance
While Wilson did not post the most statistically explosive season of her career, she remained a league‑wide force. She led the WNBA with 26.2 points per game and topped the block column with 79 blocks. Her rebounding numbers placed her among the top five rebounders, while teammate Angel Reese led the league with 12.1 rebounds per game and was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Coach’s praise
Aces head coach Becky Hammon said Wilson’s résumé already ranks her among the sport’s greatest. “I’ve taken her off Mount Rushmore, then off Everest, and now I have to put her on a different planet,” Hammon said during the playoffs. She added that talent alone does not guarantee sustained success, noting that Wilson’s combination of skill, work ethic and leadership sets her apart.
MVP voting
Wilson was the overwhelming choice of the voting panel, receiving all but nine first‑place votes. Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles earned six first‑place votes, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell received two, and Caitlin Clark captured the remaining vote.
Impact on the Aces’ playoff run
Wilson’s latest MVP comes as the Aces face a daunting playoff challenge: they must become the first team in WNBA history to erase a 2‑0 deficit against the Golden State Valkyries in a best‑of‑five series. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night in Las Vegas, and a comeback would further cement Wilson’s legacy.
Legacy and future
When Wilson reflected on the honor at a press conference, she said, “If you’re able to set a standard, rewrite history and etch yourself into the books, it means a lot. I’m grateful to share these moments with so many people and to give others something to chase after.” Her fifth MVP not only solidifies her place among the all‑time greats but also inspires the next generation of players.
Wilson’s achievement highlights the growing visibility and competitiveness of women’s basketball, reinforcing the sport’s importance to fans across the nation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
