The 2026 season will ultimately not be remembered for the reasons the Las Vegas Aces had in mind, but it was not through any fault of their star players.
On Saturday, amidst a contentious WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream, the Aces saw their top stars get acknowledged as forward A'ja Wilson and wing Jackie Young were named to the All-WNBA team for 2026.
For the five-time MVP Wilson, this marks her sixth year on the first team, while Young was named to the second team for the third time in her career.
Even in a WNBA that is featuring the next generation of stars, Wilson remains the stalwart of the league and not looking to abdicate her place atop the sport anytime soon. In 2026, Wilson lead the league in scoring (26.2 points per game), blocks (1.9 bpg) and stocks (3.3 steals plus blocks per game). She also placed third in defensive rebounding (7.5) and fifth in total rebounding (9.4).
This is just the latest honor for Wilson after yet another spectacular season, winning her third consecutive MVP award and being named to the All-Defense team for the seventh straight year as her resume grows for the spot of greatest of all time.
However, Wilson will likely be happiest for Young being named to the team, as she and the Aces were campaigning to see the guard find a spot on the team.
"All-WNBA, 100 percent. I ain't got a vote but, if I did, I'd give it to Jackie," said Wilson after the Aces defeated the Seattle Storm on Sept. 20.
Young has consistently found ways to impact the scoreboard for the Aces, but she put together her best all-around season in 2026. Her 6.8 assists per game are not only her new career-best mark, but finished fourth in the WNBA. The 2019 first overall pick also finished with a career-high in scoring (18.9 ppg) and tied her career-high in rebounds (4.4 rpg).
The selection of Young adds a new wrinkle this offseason for the Aces, who signed the wing to the first million-dollar contract in WNBA history on April 9. Scheduled for unrestricted free agency, Young is in the top tier of free agents alongside Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx).
