Image Source: ESPN
A’ja Wilson has added another remarkable achievement to an already historic career, winning her fifth WNBA Most Valuable Player award for the 2026 season. The Las Vegas Aces star is now the first player in league history to win three consecutive MVP awards.
Wilson received 65 of 74 first-place votes and collected 658 total points in the voting. Lynx rookie Olivia Miles finished second with 442 points, while Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell placed third with 287. Caitlin Clark finished fourth with 212 points, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart with 171.
A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA MVP History
The latest honor places Wilson in an exclusive group of professional sports legends. She joins Michael Jordan and Bill Russell as five-time MVP winners in major American team sports. Wayne Gretzky leads the NHL with nine Hart Trophy awards, Barry Bonds holds MLB’s record with seven MVPs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leads the NBA with six, and Peyton Manning is the NFL’s five-time MVP leader.
Wilson said the fifth award felt especially emotional. After WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert delivered the news using a message from former Vice President Kamala Harris, Wilson reflected on how far she had come.
“As a girl, you dream so big, and you write your goals out, and you just never imagine that you will be able to check them off,” Wilson said, according to ESPN. She added that her younger self was focused on surviving the world, not becoming a five-time MVP or three-time champion.
Powerful 2026 Numbers Behind the Award
Wilson’s statistical season provided a strong foundation for her historic MVP campaign. She became the first WNBA player to average at least 25 points while shooting at least 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
- 26.2 points per game, ranking second in WNBA history
- 9.4 rebounds per game, fifth-best in the league
- 1.9 blocks per game, leading the WNBA
- 52.7% shooting from the field
- 86.4% shooting from the free-throw line
- 32.4 Player Efficiency Rating
- 9.4 Win Shares
The 30-year-old forward played in 41 of Las Vegas’ 44 regular-season games despite dealing with back issues that kept her out of the United States team’s FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign in Germany. She helped the Aces close the regular season with seven consecutive victories, finishing 31-13 and earning the No. 3 seed.
Why Wilson Is Skipping the MVP Ceremony
The Aces had planned to honor Wilson before Friday’s Game 3 against the Golden State Valkyries. However, Las Vegas enters the matchup facing a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series.
Wilson confirmed that she will not take part in the traditional pregame ceremony. Instead, she plans to warm up with her teammates and remain focused on keeping the Aces’ season alive.
“I love the fans, but I will not be doing that,” Wilson said. “I will be warming up with my team. Everyone in this room knows how much of a competitor I am and what my main focus is.”
The decision comes after the Aces struggled in previous games connected to major celebrations. Las Vegas lost Game 1 of last season’s semifinals after Wilson received her fourth MVP award and also suffered a defeat after receiving its championship rings this year.
A’ja Wilson’s Lasting Las Vegas Legacy
Wilson has been the centerpiece of the Aces since they selected her No. 1 overall out of South Carolina in 2018. She led South Carolina to its first NCAA championship in 2017 and quickly became the face of the franchise after its move from San Antonio to Las Vegas.
Her career already includes three WNBA championships, earned in 2022, 2023 and 2025, along with two WNBA Finals MVP awards. The Aces have reached the top four in every season since Wilson arrived, except for her rookie campaign.
Coach Becky Hammon praised Wilson’s constant improvement and described her as the most coachable player she has worked with. Hammon said Wilson’s combination of individual excellence, leadership and team success has placed her beyond ordinary basketball comparisons.
Wilson, however, insists that the new award has not ended her ambition. Her motivation remains tied to winning and finding ways to improve every day. With the Aces facing elimination pressure, her next challenge is immediate: turn an individual celebration into renewed postseason momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many WNBA MVP awards has A’ja Wilson won?
A’ja Wilson has won five WNBA MVP awards, including three consecutive honors from 2024 through 2026.
How did A’ja Wilson perform in the 2026 MVP voting?
Wilson received 65 of 74 first-place votes. Olivia Miles finished second, Kelsey Mitchell was third, Caitlin Clark placed fourth and Breanna Stewart finished fifth.
Why is A’ja Wilson skipping the MVP ceremony?
Wilson is skipping the pregame ceremony because the Las Vegas Aces trail the Golden State Valkyries 2-0 in the semifinals. She said her priority is preparing for Game 3.
What teams has A’ja Wilson helped win WNBA championships?
Wilson has won three WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces, in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
