A’ja Wilson’s Fourth MVP Strengthens Case as WNBA’s Greatest Player

A’ja Wilson has entered a place no WNBA player has reached before. With her fourth Most Valuable Player award in 2025, the Las Vegas Aces star surpassed legends like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lauren Jackson, becoming the league’s first four-time winner.

When she reflected on the grind that led to the milestone, Wilson spoke about the persistence it took to carry her team through a challenging season.

“Thank you, guys. God is so good—He’s been with us through this whole journey,” Wilson said. “My team knows it hasn’t been easy. They counted us out, wrote us off, but we showed up every single day and worked our asses off.”

Her message underscored that this MVP wasn’t just about individual dominance.

“This has my name on it, but it’s all of us,” Wilson said. “There’s no doubt we wouldn’t be here without every single one of you. I just want to thank you for putting up with me, but more importantly, for never losing yourselves through this process. We’ve been through it, but we never lost hope or belief in each other. That’s what makes this so special.”

A’ja Wilson’s Humble Mindset

She extended her gratitude beyond her teammates, highlighting the Aces’ foundation off the floor.

“I can’t thank you enough—from the front office to everyone behind the scenes who doesn’t go unnoticed,” Wilson said. “Thank you for always betting on us. This isn’t done—we still have work to do. I’m so grateful. Thank you.”

Wilson’s humility mirrored her larger approach to the game. Even at the peak of her career, she framed her motivation not in terms of personal accolades, but in legacy.

“I’m just trying to leave the game better than I found it, and to be mentioned with the greats is something I dreamed of as a kid,” Wilson said.

The GOAT Debate

Her résumé is already unmatched: four MVPs, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, two championships and a Finals MVP, all before turning 30. She holds scoring records, defensive benchmarks and cultural influence that stretch beyond basketball. Compared to Tamika Catchings, Wilson has added more offensive firepower to a similar defensive foundation. Against Diana Taurasi, she brings the hardware advantage even if she hasn’t yet challenged the all-time scoring mark.

The conversation around Wilson’s greatness has accelerated with each accolade. Aces head coach Becky Hammon has been her most vocal advocate, framing Wilson’s place in history with striking clarity.

“Mount Rushmore—A’ja’s on a Mount Rushmore, but she’s also Everest,” Hammon said. “She’s at the peak, and there ain’t nobody else up there.”

A’JA WILSON: “When you are talking about GOATs of the W, I need my name up there. At least top 3.”

(Via @PodcastPShow) pic.twitter.com/oYFCAPWJq9 https://t.co/rzfy6oPWEk

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 21, 2025

Hammon has also argued that Wilson’s dominance transcends the WNBA.

“If you’re the best in the W to ever do it, which I believe you are, that also makes you the best player on the planet,” Hammon told Wilson.

Her praise didn’t stop at statistics. For Hammon, Wilson’s consistency and character make her achievement resonate even more.

“With cameras or no cameras, you’re the same person in every room you walk into,” Hammon said. “That’s why everybody is so happy for you—not just because of what you’ve accomplished, but because of how you lead.”

She closed her tribute with a reflection on Wilson’s upbringing and the example she sets.

“I give credit to your parents—what a hell of a daughter you raised,” Hammon said. “If I had daughters, I’d want them to be like her. This has never been done. This is four times. And the way she carries herself is exactly why she deserves it.”

What’s Still Missing

As historic as Wilson’s career has already been, there remain markers that could put the debate fully to rest. Longevity will be one test. Icons like Taurasi, Catchings and Sue Bird stretched their careers nearly two decades, while Wilson is just eight seasons in. As long as she puts in another half-decade of dominance, she appears positioned to be the greatest in WNBA history.

Championships are another point of comparison, with legends such as Cynthia Cooper and  Swoopes leading dynasties that won four titles. Wilson already has signature playoff moments, including a Finals MVP and a 53-point outburst, but more iconic postseason runs would etch her legacy even deeper.

Wilson’s trajectory also leaves room for statistical milestones—Taurasi’s career scoring crown, Catchings’ defensive records—that could further establish her as the most complete player in league history.

International success has already been part of her journey, with Olympic and World Cup gold medals on her résumé. But leading Team USA as its unquestioned centerpiece would only strengthen her global impact.

A’ja joined some elite company

4x MVP Award Winners
Kareem: 6 (20 seasons)
Bill Russell: 5 (13 seasons)
Michael Jordan: 5 (15 seasons)
Wilt Chamberlain: 4 (14 seasons)
LeBron James: 4 (22 seasons)
A’ja Wilson: 4 (8 seasons) pic.twitter.com/12PR8dz3oJ

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 21, 2025

A Legacy in Motion

Wilson’s influence stretches into culture and leadership in ways that cannot be captured by numbers alone. She has become the face of the league, reshaped the Aces into a dynasty, and inspired a generation of athletes who see in her both excellence and representation.

“By the time it’s all said and done, she will be the greatest to ever do it,” Hammon said of Wilson.

Wilson’s career is still unfolding, but with every milestone, her case for being the greatest of all time grows harder to challenge. The question is no longer if she belongs in the conversation, but how much further she will separate herself from it.

Facing an 0-1 series deficit against the Indiana Fever, Wilson still has a chance to guide her Aces squad to another championship, which would strongly push her trajectory even more. Game 2 will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. 

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