The 2025 WNBA championship is close to A’ja Wilson for multiple reasons, with the star shutting down the doubters, winning the title, and also joining some of the elites of the game after just eight seasons in the league. But now confident with the trophy, the Aces’ superstar makes a bold claim about a three-peat.
Although her performance and team around her are completely capable of achieving the goal, her recent outing was sufficient for the AP panel members to award her the Female Athlete of the Year award.
A’ja Wilson Captures AP Female Athlete Accolade
The AP Female Athlete of the Year award covers the women’s pro leagues around the country, and a player with the most impactful performance earns the illustrious honor. For 2025, the former South Carolina star won the title, which is her first such award.
“It’s an honor when you think about the group of women who have won before. Just to have my name be a part of it, I’m blessed,” Wilson said in a phone interview.
A’ja Wilson has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year
— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) December 10, 2025
This has to be the greatest year ever had by a female athlete! pic.twitter.com/FdgZ9ppjSA
As per reports, Wilson beat the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Paige Bueckers for the award, receiving 17 out of 47 votes. With this, the superstar forward added another major honor in her illustrious career.
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Interestingly, the 29-year-old became only the fifth female basketball player to win the award in 74 years. Sheryl Swoops (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), Candace Parker (2008 and 2021), and Caitlin Clark (2024) won the award before Wilson. Moreover, the star also received a special honor from another big media house.
A’ja Wilson Earns Recognition From TIME Magazine
It is important to note that the Las Vegas Aces came from a 16-16 season start to lose only three games (in the playoffs) to lift the 2025 WNBA Championship. At the heart of this turnaround was the team’s leader and most consistent performer, Wilson.
TIME highlighted her historic season and awarded her with TIME’s 2025 Athlete of the Year. TIME announced the award on social media.
WNBA star A'ja Wilson is TIME's Athlete of the Year https://t.co/PuL1wnkUzH pic.twitter.com/mt0o71L207
— TIME (@TIME) December 9, 2025
Becoming the first player to win four WNBA MVP awards and the defensive player of the year title, Wilson drew comparisons with Michael Jordan. Although A’ja Wilson calls it mindblowing just being mentioned alongside Michael Jordan in GOAT debates, her coaches, Becky Hammon and Dawn Staley, mentioned that she deserves every accolade and GOAT status coming her way.