A’ja Wilson was recently honored as Time magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year and also received the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award. Her leadership propelled the Las Vegas Aces to their third WNBA championship in four years, and she claimed an unprecedented fourth MVP title. Wilson made history as the first player in either the WNBA or NBA to simultaneously secure a championship, scoring title, Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year all in one season—accolades she had won individually before but never all at once until 2025.
In an interview with TIME, Wilson addressed her growing legacy in basketball, the ongoing collective bargaining discussions in the WNBA, the sport’s increasing popularity, and her personal life, including her relationship with Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo. She shared confidence in her case for being one of the greatest of all time, noting, “I’m on my way there,” and explained her symbolic choice to wear Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet during the championship parade as a representation of putting it all together in one standout season.
Wilson also pushed back against the idea that player Caitlin Clark alone drove the recent rise in WNBA viewership, emphasizing the importance of not losing sight of the league’s history and the struggles women endured to build the sport. On negotiations with the league and commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Wilson expressed determination for player demands to be met, reflecting on past frustrations voiced by fellow player Napheesa Collier about league leadership.
Looking ahead, Wilson aims to win more championships to solidify her legacy, hoping her achievements speak for themselves without needing to boast. She also highlighted inclusivity, mentioning how she creates space for others at the table, symbolized through her growing influence with Nike signature shoes. On a personal note, she described Adebayo as her life partner who has profoundly impacted her and her family.
Fan Take: A’ja Wilson’s historic 2025 season and her outspoken leadership mark a pivotal moment for the WNBA, inspiring fans and players alike. Her achievements and advocacy not only elevate the league’s profile but also push for a future where women’s basketball receives the recognition and respect it truly deserves.
