Photo by: WNBA Instagram
NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2024, The Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player, her third MVP award in an already decorated career. Wilson’s unanimous selection by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters makes her the first unanimous MVP since Cynthia Cooper in 1997. This honor places her in Elite company, tying the WNBA record for most MVPs with Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson.
Wilson’s dominance in 2024 was nothing short of historic. Averaging a career-high 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.58 blocks per game, she led the league in points, blocks, and finished second in rebounds. She shattered WNBA single-season records, including total points (1,021) and rebounds (451), while also becoming the first player to lead the league in points, rebounds, and blocks in the same season. Her record-breaking campaign helped the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces secure the fourth seed in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs. Wilson’s performance throughout the season earned her four Kia WNBA Western Conference Player of the Month awards and six Player of the Week honors.
Wilson’s 2024 season was filled with memorable moments; She recorded the two highest-scoring games of the year, with 42 points against the Dallas Wings and 41 points versus the Phoenix Mercury. Wilson broke the WNBA record by scoring 20 or more points in 34 of 38 games, setting a new benchmark for consistency. On July 10, she notched her first 20-20 game, finishing with 24 points and 20 rebounds against the Seattle Storm.
Beyond the stat sheet, Wilson’s leadership on and off the court was undeniable. In August, she received the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award, further cementing her status as a role model and a cornerstone of the league. Staley, who coached Wilson at the University of South Carolina, shared in the success of this year’s MVP.
Drafted by the Aces as the No. 1 pick in 2018, Wilson has propelled the franchise to two WNBA championships and continues to raise the bar for excellence. Alongside her MVP accolades, she has claimed the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year title twice, and she’s a six-time All-Star. Wilson’s remarkable consistency and leadership helped the United States win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was named MVP. With her third MVP award, Wilson’s legacy is firmly cemented, as she continues to lead the Aces on a quest for another title. With every achievement, Wilson is top tier and indeed did it in her white tee.
