A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA History With Record Fifth MVP Award

A’ja Wilson has added another historic chapter to an already extraordinary career. The Las Vegas Aces superstar was named the 2026 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player on Thursday, becoming the first player in league history to win the award five times. It is also Wilson’s third consecutive MVP, extending a run of individual dominance that has separated her from every other player in WNBA history.

Wilson received 65 of 74 first-place votes after leading the WNBA in scoring at 26.2 points per game and blocks at 1.9 per game. She also averaged 9.4 rebounds while helping Las Vegas finish 31-13. Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles finished second in the voting, followed by Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark. Wilson’s fifth MVP places her in rare basketball territory: only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has won more NBA or WNBA MVP awards, while Michael Jordan and Bill Russell also won five.

The timing adds another layer to Wilson’s milestone. Las Vegas is currently facing postseason pressure, trailing Golden State 2-0 in its semifinal series, so the celebration quickly gives way to an elimination fight. Individual history is secure. The next question is whether Wilson can turn another MVP season into another championship run.