Particle.news
Download on the App Store
35 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

A'ja Wilson Named AP Female Athlete of the Year After TIME Honor, Capping Unprecedented 2025

The twin accolades recognize a record‑setting year that also elevated her as a leading voice before looming WNBA labor talks.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on with A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Wilson became the first player in WNBA or NBA history to combine a championship, Finals MVP, regular-season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and the scoring title in the same season.
  • She led Las Vegas to a Finals sweep of Phoenix, hitting the Game 3 winner with 0.3 seconds left, after steering a 16-game win streak to close the regular season.
  • The four-time MVP averaged a league-best 23.4 points with 10.2 rebounds, crossed 5,000 career points faster than any WNBA player and set single-season scoring marks reported this year.
  • She challenged media framing that centered Caitlin Clark as the league’s lone driver of growth, noting ESPN per‑game viewership rose roughly 5–6% this season even with Clark injured.
  • Off the court, her Nike A’One signature shoe sold out and her memoir drew wide readership, as she signaled a firm stance for upcoming CBA talks, saying players are not moving until they get what they want.