Image Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

A’ja Wilson Claims Historic Fourth WNBA MVP, Surpassing Legends Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes and Lauren Jackson

Las Vegas Aces star secures her fourth MVP

Image Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

A’ja Wilson has etched her name into the record books as the WNBA’s first four-time MVP, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Las Vegas Aces star captured the honor for the second straight year in a tightly contested race with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier.

A’ja Wilson edged out Collier and other finalists, Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, to cement her place at the top of the league.

Breaking: Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson has won the 2025 WNBA MVP award, becoming the first player in league history to win the honor four times, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Snls3WFhqj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 21, 2025

A’ja Wilson Breaks Past The Greats

The 2025 award moves Wilson beyond three-time winners Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lauren Jackson. She also joins a rare company as a repeat MVP, having been honored in 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Last season, A’ja Wilson became the WNBA’s second unanimous MVP, alongside Houston Comets legend Cynthia Cooper. Cooper had been the only player before Wilson to claim back-to-back MVPs in 1997 and 1998.

Wilson’s dominance this season was undeniable. She averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks for the Las Vegas Aces, who secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. She also shared Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, underlining her all-around impact.

Napheesa Collier, the frontrunner for much of the year, posted averages of 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds while leading the Minnesota Lynx to the league’s best record.

From Mid-Season Struggles To Historic Finish

Just months ago, A’ja Wilson was not in serious MVP conversations. The Aces stumbled through a disappointing start and were under .500 in late July. On Aug. 2, they suffered a 53-point home loss to the Lynx, the second-largest defeat in league history.

That night proved to be a turning point. Collier sprained her ankle during the game and missed over three weeks, while Wilson elevated her play and led Las Vegas on a remarkable run.

A’ja Wilson spearheaded a 16-game winning streak to close the season, the second-longest in WNBA history. That surge lifted the Aces from eighth place to second and propelled Wilson to the front of the WNBA MVP race.