PHOENIX — A’ja Wilson is remaining with her team.
The esteemed four-time MVP and triple WNBA champion declared her firm intention to stay with the Las Vegas Aces as the league commences an unparalleled free agency phase, following the ratification of a novel collective bargaining agreement. Wilson is presently engaged in the USA Basketball national squad’s training assembly, taking place at the Phoenix Mercury’s training grounds.
“I am not exploring other options,” Wilson stated on Friday morning. “I am fully aware of my current position. I adore Las Vegas; I am not departing from Las Vegas. My focus is on securing another title and aiming to uphold the championship we hold. I also seek to improve as both a leader and an athlete. All other matters naturally align.”
The WNBA is poised to commence an era unparalleled in the league’s annals, with virtually every player not bound by a rookie contract becoming a free agent. These athletes orchestrated their agreements to conclude after the 2025 season so as to capitalize on a novel collective bargaining agreement which fundamentally transformed the remuneration structure. The revised top wage will be $1.4 million in 2026, potentially increasing to over $2.4 million by 2032, based on league forecasts. For 2025, the highest compensation stood at $249,244.
Wilson’s declaration to remain with her squad mirrors those of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who also announced their intentions to stay with their respective franchises. Stewart and Ionescu had previously stated their commitment to the New York Liberty on Wednesday.
Wilson has dedicated her full eight-year tenure to Las Vegas, and during the previous season, she earned accolades as MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. In 2025, she achieved averages of 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals, alongside a 50.5% field goal percentage.
The Aces anticipate focusing on retaining their pivotal quartet, comprising Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd, the latter of whom joined the team last season and promptly secured a championship.
The league is conducting the expansion draft on Friday and needs to finalize free agency prior to the commencement of training camps on April 19.
“The difficulty lies simply in execution,” Wilson commented on the league-wide free agency period. “The hurdle is completing the process: locating one’s ideal team and discovering the situation that feels most suitable. For our part, when the task must be addressed and finished, we consistently undertake it appropriately. I trust that as everyone evaluates their potential teams and destinations, they will select the place their heart truly desires.”