Wilson becomes first five-time MVP in WNBA history

A ceremony marking her record-extending fifth MVP award will take place on Friday night, but A'ja Wilson will not take part before a must-win game. A'ja Wilson's 26.2-point average this season is the second-highest in WNBA history, behind her record of 26.9 in 2024 While a ceremony marking her latest historic achievement will take place on Friday night, A'ja Wilson wants no part of it. The 30-year-old Las Vegas Aces star stands peerless after becoming the first five-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) in WNBA history, and was informed of her unprecedented third-straight award by a former US vice-president. But recent history means Wilson has no interest in joining the celebrations which will be held on her behalf.

When the Aces held a pre-game ceremony to honour Wilson last year, as is tradition for the MVP winner, they went on to lose game one of their play-off semi-final. They also lost heavily following similar celebrations after receiving their championship rings in May. Before a must-win third game in their best-of-five semi-final against the Golden State Valkyries, Wilson is taking no chances. "I love the fans, but I will not be doing that," she said. "I will be warming up with my team. Everyone knows how much of a competitor I am [and] what my main focus is." No other WNBA player