Ever since A’ja Wilson was drafted in the WNBA, she has been in MVP discussions. She won three titles in the last five seasons, exerting her authority in the league. Putting up high numbers and breaking records, the Aces star is once again in the MVP discussions.
But this time, Wilson will have tough competition for the accolade. Multiple stars show up for their team and win games for their sides. But one player is a frontrunner for the prestigious award, putting up a strong challenge for the 29-year-old forward.
Minnesota Lynx Star Could Challenge A’ja Wilson For MVP Crown
Missing just four games so far in the 2025 season, the reigning MVP averages 22.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. She also has two blocks and two steals per game. The numbers are nearly equivalent to her 2024 MVP season. She won the unanimous award in that season and now looks to defend her title, which could be her fourth MVP title, a record in the league.
After the All-Star games, the USC star is putting up even stronger numbers, averaging 26.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks. The side won 11 out of 14 games in that run and moved up to fifth place in the league standings.
One would imagine her to be the outright winner of the MVP award, but the Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is the strongest challenger to the title. A’ja Wilson finished second last season and also finished runner-up in the WNBA championship.
This season, though, the 28-year-old star is determined to win it all. Leading the top team in the league, she is averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The 2024 defensive player of the year also matches Wilson’s stats in blocks and steals. Her team’s position and numbers make her a strong contender for the title.
This seasons @WNBA MVP race is looking a lot like 2015 as Napheesa Collier (@PHEEsespieces) of the @minnesotalynx and A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) of the @LVAces are both over the 30.0 mark when it comes to PER. While Collier has missed the last several games, Wilson is making a… pic.twitter.com/Mjlrm6sMsX
— HoopHeroines (@hoopheroines) August 18, 2025
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The two talented stars had been strong competitors for many seasons, and this could be Phee’s year to clinch the accolades.
Other Strong Contenders For A’ja Wilson’s MVP Trophy
While Wilson and Collier lead discussions for MVP candidates, there are many stars winning games for their sides. Kelsey Mitchell overtook Collier in the league’s scoring race and is having her career-best season. Similarly, Sabrina Ionescu is in charge of the defending champion, the New York Liberty.
While these two stars fall behind in the defensive stats, Alyssa Thomas is excelling in every department, literally carrying the Phoenix Mercury to the top positions. Her record of extending multiple triple-doubles put her side in the fourth position. With no limitations on the number of games played for the accolade, it will be interesting to watch whether Collier and Thomas’ consistency thumps A’ja Wilson’s late surge.