One of the most intense WNBA MVP races in league history has come to what many consider an expected end. A'ja Wilson took home her fifth MVP award, making her the undisputed all-time record holder for the honor.
How tight and high-caliber the race was is best shown by the fact that Caitlin Clark, who finished as the league's third-leading scorer and second in assists, placed only fourth. Ahead of her were Kelsey Mitchell, who broke Wilson's record for most points in a single season and rookie Olivia Miles.
With her third consecutive MVP award, the Las Vegas Aces star has now further pulled away from absolute league icons who each hold three MVP titles, such as Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. This prompted Carmelo Anthony to offer his take on Wilson's all-time standing among the greatest women athletes ever.
"Olivia could have won it. And so because of that, she would be top of mind coming into next season. As the her and A'ja being MVP that coming into that season. Five times? Well, f—k all that. Man, woman, animal, whatever the f—k it is. Like a five times? Anything. That's a tiny room. That's Bill Russell, that's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Who else? MJ?" Melo said on his podcast.
With 713 total votes, Wilson still claimed a decisive victory ahead of Miles, who ended up with 442 votes. She finished the season averaging 26.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks, leading the league simultaneously in points and blocks for the third time.
This only confirms how Wilson's two-way versatility sets her completely apart from the competition. Considering she already has three championship rings under her belt, it's clear that the WNBA GOAT debate is currently a one-way street, even though Wilson herself doesn't receive as much media attention as expected for someone of her caliber.
Still, all of that has led Nick Wright to explain why Wilson stands alone in the WNBA GOAT debate .
"A'ja Wilson is 4x MVP that's about to win her 5th, 3x DPOY, 3x Champ & just put up 38 & 16 followed by a 36 & 10 to beat an excellent Fever team in an attempt to go back to back (again)," Wright posted on his "X" account.
"She's simply one of the greatest female athletes ever, and likely finishes her career as the unanimous WNBA GOAT," he added.
This entire dynamic surrounding Wilson's GOAT case feels somewhat reminiscent of the late Wilt Chamberlain. She is an absolute statistical anomaly and virtually has no equal in the league. A'ja currently stands head and shoulders above the rest of the league at just 30 years old, yet everyone somehow keeps talking about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Much like the 1980s when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird arrived on the scene and pushed the NBA's popularity to unprecedented heights, something Chamberlain was unable to achieve during his playing days despite his phenomenal individual feats, Wilson continues to shatter league records at will, all while being overlooked by many as the true face of the league, even though she clearly deserves to be.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
