A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA History with Fifth MVP Award, Declines Pregame Ceremony

A’ja Wilson has reached another historic milestone in her remarkable basketball career. The Las Vegas Aces star won her fifth WNBA Most Valuable Player award for the 2026 season, becoming the first player in league history to earn three consecutive MVP honors. However, with her team fighting to stay alive in the playoffs, Wilson has decided to skip the traditional pregame ceremony and focus on the game ahead.

A Historic Achievement with Personal Meaning

Wilson received the news on Thursday, October 8, when WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert shared a congratulatory message from former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The moment brought Wilson to tears as she reflected on how far she had come.

For Wilson, this award carries a deeper meaning than her previous achievements. She explained that her younger self never imagined winning five MVP awards or becoming a three-time WNBA champion. At 15, her main goal was simply to survive the challenges of life.

Now, surrounded by trophies and records, Wilson sees the award as a powerful reminder of her journey, personal growth, and determination.

The voting results showed her clear dominance. Wilson received 65 of 74 first-place votes and nine second-place votes. Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles finished second with 442 points, followed by Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell with 287 points. Caitlin Clark placed fourth with 212 points, while New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart finished fifth with 171 points.

Wilson Puts the Aces’ Playoff Fight First

Despite her historic achievement, Wilson will not take part in the usual pregame MVP ceremony scheduled for Friday. The Aces will host the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of their semifinal series, with their season on the line after falling behind 2-0.

MVP winners typically receive their trophies at center court before a home game. However, the Aces have experienced difficult results following similar celebrations. Last season, Las Vegas lost Game 1 of the semifinals against the Indiana Fever after Wilson received her fourth MVP award. The team also suffered a defeat this season after receiving its championship rings.

Wilson wants to avoid distractions and remain focused on helping her teammates. Although she expressed her love for the fans, she made it clear that she would rather warm up with the team than participate in the ceremony.

Her decision reflects her competitive mindset and the urgency surrounding the Aces’ playoff situation. With their season at risk, Wilson believes the game deserves her full attention.

Outstanding Numbers Define Wilson’s 2026 Season

Wilson’s fifth MVP award comes after one of the most impressive individual seasons in WNBA history. She became the first player in league history to average at least 25 points per game while shooting 50% or better from the field and 40% from three-point range.

She averaged 26.2 points per game, the second-highest scoring average in WNBA history. Only Wilson herself ranks higher, thanks to her record-setting average of 26.9 points two seasons ago.

The 30-year-old also led the league in several major statistical categories. She finished first in scoring, blocks, Player Efficiency Rating, and Win Shares. Her season averages included 1.9 blocks and 9.4 rebounds per game. She shot 52.7% from the field and 86.4% from the free-throw line.

Wilson dealt with back problems earlier in the year, which prevented her from representing the United States at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany in September. Nevertheless, she played 41 of the Aces’ 44 games and averaged 32 minutes per contest.

Her leadership helped Las Vegas finish the regular season with a 31-13 record. The team won its final seven regular-season games and secured the third seed in the playoffs.

Joining the Greatest Names in Basketball

Wilson’s latest achievement places her among an elite group of professional athletes. Before this season, she became the first player in WNBA history to win four MVP awards. Her fifth honor now puts her alongside some of the most celebrated names in American team sports.

Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record with nine MVP awards, while Barry Bonds leads Major League Baseball with seven. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earned six NBA MVP awards, and Peyton Manning won five NFL MVP honors.

Wilson has now matched NBA legends Michael Jordan and Bill Russell, both of whom won five regular-season MVP awards. She has previously spoken about her admiration for these players and her desire to follow in their footsteps.

Still, Wilson insists that she has no intention of slowing down. She expressed gratitude for the recognition but emphasized that she remains hungry to improve. For her, building an impressive résumé matters, but enjoying the game remains just as important.

Becky Hammon Praises Wilson’s Greatness

Aces head coach Becky Hammon offered strong praise for Wilson after the announcement. Hammon described her star player as an athlete whose greatness continues to grow beyond conventional comparisons.

The coach also highlighted Wilson’s willingness to learn and her ability to return each season as a better player. According to Hammon, talent alone does not guarantee championships or individual excellence. Wilson’s work ethic, coachability, and commitment to improvement set her apart.

Wilson credits much of her motivation to her love of winning and her dislike of losing. She continues to search for ways to improve her game, believing that there is always another level she can reach.

Her approach has helped her remain one of the WNBA’s most dominant players since entering the league.

A Legacy Still Growing

Wilson’s influence on the Las Vegas Aces began when the team selected her with the No. 1 pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft after her successful college career at South Carolina. She helped South Carolina win its first NCAA championship in 2017 before beginning her professional journey.

Her rookie season marked the franchise’s first year in Las Vegas following its relocation from San Antonio. It remains the only season in her WNBA career in which her team failed to reach the playoffs. Since then, the Aces have consistently finished among the league’s top four teams.

Wilson has also won two WNBA Finals MVP awards and helped Las Vegas capture three championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Her fifth regular-season MVP award adds another major accomplishment to an already remarkable career. Yet, with the Aces facing elimination, Wilson’s immediate priority is not celebrating her individual success.

Instead, she is preparing to compete alongside her teammates, determined to give Las Vegas the best possible chance to extend its season. Her decision to skip the ceremony sends a clear message: the awards matter, but winning remains her greatest motivation.

Check more here: A’ja Wilson