The league surprised Wilson on Friday when commissioner Cathy Engelbert, accompanied by Wilson's boyfriend, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, presented her with the trophy at the end of practice. Fighting back tears, Wilson addressed her teammates, acknowledging their role in her success. "They counted us out. They wrote us all off, but we showed up every single day. It has my name on it, but it's all of us. There is no award without each and every last one of you," she said.
Wilson now surpasses Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who each won three MVP awards. She was also the unanimous MVP in 2024, joining Houston Comets legend Cynthia Cooper as the only players to claim that distinction. Cooper was also the league's first back-to-back MVP, while Wilson adds to her titles from 2020 and 2022.
This season, Wilson led the league in scoring with 23.4 points per game and in blocks with 2.3, while adding 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. She shared the Defensive Player of the Year award with Minnesota's Alanna Smith. Aces coach Becky Hammon praised her star, saying, "By the time it's all said and done, she will be the greatest to ever do it. Four already says she is. You're watching history, and she's just 29 years old. She could win four more of these before she's done."
Wilson helped the Aces recover from a 14-14 start to finish 30-14 with a franchise-record 17-game winning streak. They advanced to the semifinals after defeating the Seattle Storm in three games, capped by Wilson's 38-point performance. She credited improved mental focus and adaptability as keys to her season. The Aces will now face the Indiana Fever in the semifinals beginning Sunday.
