If the league is taking notes, legend Sheryl Swoopes has her choice for the 2025 WNBA MVP made. With four championships and three MVP awards under her belt, the bold take makes a lot of sense. Recently, coach Nate Tibbetts compared Alyssa Thomas to the NBA’s Damian Lillard, and the veteran followed suit. And the take seems valid as Thomas is boosting the triple-double record in the Mercury’s recent win.
Despite a bold take, Thomas is giving the Phoenix fans a lot more reasons for why they could cheer for her. Just like the rest of the league stars, no one can ignore the Maryland alum in this year’s discussion.
Sheryl Swoopes Favores Alyssa Thomas Over Napheesa Collier And A’ja Wilson In MVP Race
Recently, Swoopes didn’t hold back when sharing her pick for the 2025 WNBA MVP. On the September 2 episode of The Women’s Hoops Show podcast, Swoopes made a strong case for Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. She put her ahead of the more popular choices like Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson.
“Phoenix is not in the playoffs without Alyssa Thomas. Not even close. A lot of people say, ‘Well, MVP should be based off of team record.’ People say that a lot. I don’t necessarily agree with that. But if it is, well then let’s look at Phoenix’s record with Alyssa Thomas, and what she has been able to do for this team this season,” Swoopes said.
Sheryl Swoopes on Alyssa Thomas’s case for MVP! #AT4MVP pic.twitter.com/oZgeCqKDne
— domo|#5🤍|#AT4MVP (@leigons_) September 3, 2025
However, Swoopes acknowledged the usual MVP talk often ties to team success, but she pushed back on that idea. Instead, she focused on Thomas’s all-around impact, pointing out her near triple-double averages, leading the league in assists and ranking third in rebounds. Though Thomas has recently surpassed Candace Parker in WNBA record.
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Sheryl Swoopes’ WNBA MVP Choice Sounds Bold
Swoopes’ take stands out because the MVP race has mostly centered on Collier and Wilson. Though Collier leads the league in scoring with 23.5 points per game, plus 9.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists, helping the Lynx to the best record at 31-8, there’s more to this discussion.
On the other hand, Wilson is right behind with 23.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks as she helped the Aces’ 12-game win streak that turned their 14-14 start into a 26-14 finish. However, Thomas’ numbers are solid, but her team’s 23-16 record and fourth-place standing have kept her as more of a dark horse.
Still, her 54.3% field goal shooting efficiency, and leadership in turning Phoenix around after a slow start make Swoopes’s argument hold water. The legend knows a thing or two about MVPs. As she already won it in 2000, 2002, and 2005 with the Houston Comets, where she averaged over 20 points in her peak years and led the league in steals multiple times.
But she’s also stirred controversy with her opinions, like past comments on Caitlin Clark that drew backlash. This time, her support for Thomas feels rooted in respect for underrated contributions, especially since Thomas has never won MVP despite nine All-Star nods and consistent triple-double threats.