A’ja Wilson has shattered yet another glass ceiling in women’s basketball. The Las Vegas Aces superstar will become the first WNBA player to appear on the cover of the popular NBA 2K video game series.
WNBA Superstar A’ja Wilson Breaks New Ground in Gaming
Wilson’s inclusion on the global edition cover of NBA 2K25 marks a watershed moment for women’s basketball. This unprecedented move reflects the growing recognition and popularity of the WNBA.
“Being featured on the NBA 2K25 cover is a big moment for me and a testament to the ever-growing fandom of the WNBA,” Wilson stated. She expressed excitement about the increased representation of WNBA athletes in the game.
A’ja Wilson’s Stellar Career and WNBA’s Rising Popularity
Since being drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, Wilson has dominated the league. She led her team to consecutive WNBA championship titles in 2022 and 2023.
Currently, Wilson leads the league in points (27.0) and blocks (2.7) per game. She’s also the second-best rebounder, averaging 10.9 rebounds per game. Her success parallels the WNBA’s surging popularity.
WNBA’s Record-Breaking 2024 Season
The WNBA’s 28th season has seen unprecedented growth. Arena attendance reached a 26-year high, with 94% capacity across venues. This represents a 17% increase from the previous year.
Television viewership has also skyrocketed. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS networks reported triple the average viewership compared to last season. Approximately 1.32 million viewers tuned in to watch WNBA games.
NBA 2K25: A Milestone for Women’s Sports Representation
Wilson will feature on both the deluxe version of NBA 2K25 and a GameStop-exclusive physical edition of the WNBA version. The latter will be available only in the U.S. and Canada.
This inclusion signifies a major step forward in the representation of women’s sports in gaming. It also demonstrates the growing recognition of the WNBA’s market value and fan appeal.
The Future of Women’s Basketball
WNBA Senior Vice President Colie Edison emphasized the significance of this moment. “What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment,” she stated.
