A’ja Wilson unanimously named MVP after historic WNBA season

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson was unanimously voted on as the WNBA’S Most Valuable Player, the league announced Sunday morning.

Wilson averaged 26.9 points (on 51.8% shooting), 11.9 rebounds, 2.58 blocks, and 1.79 steals per game this season, leading the league in scoring and blocks, and coming in second in rebounds. Her scoring was unprecedented — she averaged more points per game and more total points than any player in league history (surpassing Diana Taurasi, who averaged 25.3 points in 2006).

She is the fourth player in WNBA history win the award three times, joining Sheryl Swoopes, List Leslie, and Lauren Jackson.

“I cannot thank you all enough,” Wilson said to her teammates upon learning about the award. “I hope you guys understand how much you mean to me. I hope you guys know that this trophy is nothing without y’all. We’ve been through the ringer — and we gon’ continue to go through the ringer — but one thing y’all don’t ever have to worry about is A’ja going anywhere.”

Wilson received all 67 first-place votes, becoming the first unanimous MVP since 1997, when Cynthia Cooper was unanimously named in the league’s first season. Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) received 66 of 67 second-place votes, while Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty came in third overall). Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun) rounded out the top five in MVP voting.

Previously Aces teammate Kelsey Plum had told SB Nation she would have conspiracy theories if the award wasn’t a unanimous vote.

Wilson previously won the award in 2020 and 2022. Last year, she came in third place, and ultimately won Finals MVP after the Aces won their second consecutive championship. This year, she will receive a $15,450 prize as part of the honor.

The Aces will begin postseason play on Sunday at 10pm ET against the Seattle Storm.