A’Ja Wilson has been named Time Magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year, becoming only the second Black woman to receive this prestigious honor. The WNBA champion joins gymnastics legend Simone Biles, who earned the title in 2021. Wilson’s recognition follows her third WNBA Finals championship victory with the Las Vegas Aces.
The 29-year-old center’s historic 2025 season solidified her status among basketball’s all-time greats. She became the first player in WNBA history to win a championship, Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in a single season. This unprecedented quadruple achievement distinguishes her from every player in the league’s 29-year history.
Historic Season Features Unprecedented Quadruple Achievement
Wilson’s 2025 campaign delivered a record-breaking combination of individual and team honors never before accomplished. She led the Las Vegas Aces to their third championship while earning Finals MVP recognition. Additionally, she secured her fourth league MVP award and third Defensive Player of the Year title.
According to ESPN, no other WNBA player has ever combined these four major awards in one season. The achievement demonstrates Wilson’s dominance on both offensive and defensive ends simultaneously. Her two-way excellence sets a new standard for what’s possible in women’s professional basketball.
Six-Time All-Star and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Wilson’s resume extends far beyond her 2025 accomplishments to include consistent excellence throughout her career. She has been selected as a WNBA All-Star six times, reflecting sustained elite performance. Her recognition spans multiple seasons, demonstrating longevity alongside peak performance.
Her international success includes two Olympic Gold Medals representing Team USA in basketball. These victories showcase her ability to excel at the highest levels of global competition. Wilson has proven herself among the world’s best players across both professional and international stages.
Three WNBA Championships Cement Dynasty Status
The Las Vegas Aces’ third championship win establishes them as a modern WNBA dynasty. Wilson has been the cornerstone of this sustained excellence across multiple seasons. Her consistency and leadership have been essential to the franchise’s championship culture.
Each championship victory adds to Wilson’s growing legacy as one of basketball’s transformative players. Three titles by age 29 positions her among the most decorated active players. Her championship experience provides foundation for potential future titles in coming seasons.
Three Defensive Player of the Year Awards Showcase Two-Way Excellence
Wilson’s three Defensive Player of the Year awards highlight her exceptional defensive capabilities. Many elite scorers struggle defensively, but Wilson excels on both ends of the court. Her ability to protect the rim while dominating offensively makes her uniquely valuable.
The 6-foot-4-inch center uses her size, athleticism, and basketball IQ to disrupt opponents’ offensive schemes. Her defensive presence changes how teams approach playing against the Aces. This two-way impact elevates her value beyond what statistics alone can measure.
Wilson Credits Criticism for Pushing Her to New Heights
Despite entering 2025 with an already legendary resume, doubters questioned whether Wilson could maintain her excellence. Rather than becoming complacent, she used criticism as motivation to reach unprecedented levels. The doubters’ voices drove her to accomplish what no WNBA player had ever achieved.
“Sometimes you’ve just got to get knocked down to get built back up,” Wilson expressed to Time Magazine. She continued: “I think 2025 was a wake-up call that I needed, to let me know that I can’t be satisfied with anything. There’s somebody out there that’s going to try to take your job. You need to make sure you’re great at it, every single day.”
“Thanos” Comment Reflects Confidence in Historic Accomplishments
Wilson referenced Marvel’s villain Thanos when discussing her collection of awards and achievements in 2025. “When you’ve collected everything, that’s Thanos,” she shared with Time Magazine. The pop culture reference humorously acknowledges the completeness of her trophy collection.
“I mean crap. I kind of let my game do it,” Wilson added about her historic season. She emphasized: “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.” Her comments balance humility with deserved recognition of unprecedented achievement.
Overcame Racism Growing Up in Columbia, South Carolina
Wilson’s path to basketball greatness included overcoming significant obstacles beyond athletic competition. She faced racism as a young Black girl growing up in Columbia, South Carolina. These experiences shaped her resilience and determination to succeed despite societal barriers.
Her childhood challenges provided foundation for her advocacy work addressing racial justice issues today. Wilson understands firsthand how systemic barriers affect young Black athletes pursuing their dreams. She uses her platform to address these issues and create pathways for future generations.
Diagnosed With Dyslexia at Age 16
Wilson navigated learning challenges throughout her childhood before receiving proper diagnosis and support. She struggled with dyslexia until age 16 when she finally received an official diagnosis. The late identification meant years of academic difficulties without appropriate accommodations or understanding.
Her experience with learning disabilities adds another dimension to her advocacy for equity and access. Wilson demonstrates that disabilities don’t limit potential when individuals receive proper support and opportunities. Her success challenges stereotypes about what athletes with learning differences can achieve.
Vocal Advocate for WNBA Pay Equity
Wilson has become one of the WNBA’s most prominent voices demanding fair compensation for players. She understands that the league’s growing popularity should translate into significantly improved player salaries. Her advocacy addresses the gender pay gap that persists in professional sports.
“All of us are going to be at the table,” Wilson stated about collective bargaining and pay negotiations. She emphasized: “and we’re not moving until we get exactly what we want.” Her leadership extends beyond on-court performance to fighting for systemic change benefiting all WNBA players.
Leadership Off Court Matches On-Court Excellence
Wilson’s impact transcends statistics, championships, and individual awards to include cultural leadership. She uses her platform to address social justice issues affecting Black communities and women athletes. Her willingness to speak on difficult topics demonstrates courage matching her athletic bravery.
Other WNBA players look to Wilson for guidance both in basketball strategy and broader advocacy. Her leadership style balances competitive drive with genuine care for teammates and colleagues. This holistic approach to leadership makes her influence extend far beyond the basketball court.
Historic Recognition Follows Simone Biles’ 2021 Honor
Wilson’s selection as Time’s Athlete of the Year places her in elite company. Simone Biles received the honor in 2021 after her groundbreaking advocacy for mental health. Both Black women used their platforms to address issues beyond their sports.
The recognition of two Black women athletes within five years signals important progress in sports media. However, it also highlights how rarely Black women receive this level of mainstream recognition. Wilson’s honor represents both individual achievement and collective advancement for Black women in sports.
New Era for Women’s Basketball Demands Fair Compensation
Wilson envisions a future where women’s basketball players receive compensation reflecting their contributions and popularity. The WNBA has experienced explosive growth in viewership, attendance, and cultural relevance. She believes players deserve financial rewards matching this growth and their athletic excellence.
“I hope to help charge a new era where women’s sports collects the big checks,” Wilson shared. Her advocacy connects individual achievement to collective progress for all women athletes. The fight for pay equity remains central to her off-court mission and legacy.
Four League MVP Awards Demonstrate Sustained Excellence
Wilson’s four league MVP awards reflect consistent dominance across multiple seasons. These honors aren’t flukes or single-season peaks but rather sustained excellence. Her ability to perform at MVP levels repeatedly separates her from talented players who peak briefly.
Each MVP award required outperforming other elite players throughout grueling regular seasons. The recognition from media voters validates what teammates, coaches, and opponents already knew. Wilson has been the WNBA’s best player across multiple years, not just one exceptional season.
Time Magazine Recognition Elevates Women’s Sports Visibility
Wilson’s Time Magazine honor brings mainstream attention to WNBA excellence and women’s basketball broadly. The publication’s global reach ensures her achievements reach audiences beyond traditional basketball fans. This visibility helps grow the sport while validating women athletes’ cultural significance.
Major media recognition like this challenges persistent undervaluation of women’s sports achievements. Wilson’s story demonstrates that women athletes deliver drama, excellence, and cultural impact rivaling any male counterpart. The honor represents progress toward equitable media coverage across gender lines.