A’ja Wilson earns TIME’s top honor after epic 2025 season
*This is what happens when you excel. A’ja Wilson has been named TIME magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year after a legendary WNBA season. The Las Vegas Aces star led her team to its third championship in four years, dominating the court and silencing doubters. At 29, she’s already one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Wilson’s year wasn’t just about winning. She achieved a rare combination of awards, making history as the first player to win a title, Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Her 2025 campaign showed why she’s called the GOAT by fans and fellow athletes alike.
Unmatched dominance: MVP, Finals MVP, and DPOY in 2025
In 2025, Wilson averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during the regular season. In the Finals, she stepped it up to 28.5 points and 12.3 rebounds, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury. That earned her a second Finals MVP trophy.
She also secured her fourth league MVP, becoming the first player to do so before age 30. Only legends like LeBron James, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have done the same. With her third DPOY award, Wilson set a new bar in basketball history.
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A’ja Wilson 2025: Breaking records at every turn
Wilson became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points. She claimed back-to-back scoring titles and led the league in rebounds and blocks during key stretches of the season. Her performance in Game 3 of the Finals—nailing a game-winner—was a defining moment.
TIME called her season “everything,” comparing her achievement to Thanos collecting Infinity Stones. As Wilson told the magazine, “This was my biggest moment of doing it, because no one’s ever done what I’ve done. And I think people really needed to understand that.”
From college champion to professional legend
Wilson’s journey began at the University of South Carolina, where she led the Gamecocks to the 2017 NCAA title. She earned two National Player of the Year honors and became a college basketball icon. In 2024, South Carolina retired her No. 22 jersey in a historic ceremony.
Drafted No. 1 overall by the Aces in 2018, Wilson won Rookie of the Year and turned Las Vegas into a WNBA powerhouse. She’s now a seven-time All-Star, multi-time All-WNBA First Team pick, and leader of a growing sports dynasty.
More than basketball: Wilson’s off-court legacy grows
Beyond the court, Wilson is known for advocating for mental health, racial equity, and women’s sports. She launched the “Inspiring Champions” podcast to spotlight underrepresented voices in athletics. She’s also a published author of children’s books promoting confidence and excellence.
Her platform continues to grow as fans and media alike recognize her impact. From talk shows to endorsements, Wilson is redefining what a modern sports icon looks like.
Social media erupts over TIME’s A’ja Wilson 2025 cover
The announcement went viral, with fans and celebrities showing love on X (formerly Twitter). Billie Jean King tweeted her congratulations, while one fan dubbed her “TIME’s Woman of the Year and Athlete of the Year.”
The Las Vegas Aces posted a playful tribute, calling her “TIME’s A’thlete of the Year.” The term “A’ja-vangelist” trended briefly, as supporters praised her influence and inspiration. Wilson now joins a TIME honor roll that includes Serena Williams and Simone Biles.
Why A’ja Wilson’s 2025 season redefines greatness
No other player has matched Wilson’s 2025 achievements in a single season. She’s dominating on every level, from the hardwood to headlines. Her leadership, grit, and stats make her case for GOAT status hard to deny.
As she told TIME: “I’m making it real hard for people to chase after me.” With her talent and mindset, Wilson is setting a new standard for what greatness in sports looks like.
What comes next for A’ja Wilson after TIME cover
With three WNBA titles, multiple MVPs, and now TIME’s Athlete of the Year, Wilson’s legacy is still growing. She’s expected to return in 2026 with the Aces, hungry for a fourth title. Fans can also look forward to her next podcast episodes and off-court projects.
Wilson has already achieved more by 29 than most athletes do in a lifetime. And as 2026 begins, she’s not done yet. Expect more A’ja moments in headlines, box scores, and culture.
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