A'ja Wilson's Historic ESPY Sweep
A'ja Wilson, the South Carolina native who has redefined excellence in women's basketball, captured two ESPY awards on Wednesday night: Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete in Women's Sports. Her 2025 campaign was nothing short of revolutionary, as she led the Las Vegas Aces to their third championship while also securing her fourth MVP award, a feat that makes her the first WNBA player to achieve such a milestone.
Wilson's season was marked by a historic quadruple crown: she topped the league in scoring, earned the MVP honor, was named Defensive Player of the Year, and capped the run with the Finals MVP. The accolades echoed her earlier triumphs, including back‑to‑back Best WNBA Player awards in 2023 and 2024, and a previous Best Athlete in Women's Sports title that she defended with a decisive victory over Hilary Knight, Nelly Korda, and Mikaela Shiffrin.
A Tribute in Absence
Although Wilson chose not to attend the ceremony in New York, she honored her rookie teammates Ta'Niya Latson and Janiah Barker with a private dinner, turning the night into a celebration of the next generation. The awards were presented by New York Knicks star Karl‑Anthony Towns and rugby sensation Ilona Maher, underscoring the cross‑sport reverence for Wilson's impact.
Wilson's Las Vegas Aces were nominated for Best Team but fell to the New York Knicks, a narrative that added a layer of competitive nuance to her evening. Her former South Carolina teammate Allisha Gray, once a rival on the court, was edged out for the Best WNBA Player award, highlighting the evolving landscape of talent and rivalry in the league.