Las Vegas Aces’ star A’ja Wilson received the prestigious 2024 Unanimous MVP award, which solidified her legacy in women’s basketball. 

Wilson was embraced by all of her teammates and head coach Becky Hammon the moment she received the phone call from WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert on this historic accomplishment. After hearing the great news, she expressed so much gratitude for what was a celebration of their collective journey and successes. 

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

“I am forever grateful to be y’all teammate. Y’all have given me so much strength. Y’all have given me so much love, so much power, and I hope I can do the same for you guys. So, thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. This truly means a lot.”

Not only was this achievement well-deserved, but it came at such a pivotal time — when the WNBA was gaining a lot of recognition and popularity. In light of this momentum, Wilson made headlines throughout the 2024 regular season when she notably: 

• Became the all-time scoring leader of the Las Vegas Aces franchise 
• Made history by becoming the first player to record five consecutive games with 20 or more points and ten or more rebounds — a feat that proves her consistency in the league
• Joined Diana Taurasi in a category for the most 40-plus points games in WNBA history 
• Had an all-around impact on the game, becoming the first player in WNBA history to score 35 or more points while filling the stat sheet with ten or more rebounds and more than five steals 
• Celebrated the rare accomplishment of a 20-point and 20-rebound game against the Seattle Storm
• Established a league record for the most games with at least 25 points and ten or more rebounds 
• Became the first player to exceed more than 1,000 points in a single season 
• Achieved the highest total amount of rebounds in a single season
• Notched eight 30-plus-point games and 10-plus rebounds in a single season 

Wilson stands as only one of just two WNBA players to have ever received the unanimous MVP honor. This goes to show that she is truly a dominant force in the league.

The back-to-back champion and now a three-time MVP has developed a reputation as someone who can get things done at the highest level. Now, as she continues to perform, she does so while inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams, just as she has done. 

Fans across the league, including some other basketball greats, are excited to see what this remarkable athlete will accomplish next. Her impact on women’s basketball will definitely be felt for years to come.