FUN STAT: A’ja Wilson Joins Sheryl Swoopes in Historic WNBA Company With Third MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Honors 🥹✨
In a season already defined by her dominance, A’ja Wilson has reached rarefied air in women’s basketball history. The Las Vegas Aces superstar has officially joined the legendary Sheryl Swoopes as the only two players in WNBA history to win both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) honor three times each.
It’s a staggering achievement that not only cements Wilson’s place among the greatest to ever step on a WNBA court but also underscores her unparalleled ability to impact the game on both ends. In the league’s 28-year history, few players have managed to strike the balance between offensive firepower and defensive tenacity the way Wilson has—and this latest milestone only solidifies her reputation as the modern standard-bearer of all-around excellence.
A Career Built on Dominance
Wilson’s rise to superstardom has been meteoric since she entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft out of South Carolina. From the start, she was billed as a generational talent, but even her lofty expectations may not have anticipated the dominance she’s sustained year after year.
By securing her third MVP award, Wilson joins an elite list of players like Lisa Leslie, Lauren Jackson, and Sheryl Swoopes, all of whom are considered foundational figures in the sport. Add to that her third Defensive Player of the Year trophy, and Wilson has carved out a distinction that even legends like Leslie and Jackson never reached.
The stat line from her 2025 campaign reflects why she was almost impossible to deny: over 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, all while anchoring the Aces’ defense in one of the toughest seasons the franchise has faced. Her ability to shift seamlessly from being the team’s go-to scorer to its defensive stopper is what separates her from most MVP-caliber players.
Joining Sheryl Swoopes in the Exclusive Club
When Wilson’s name was called for her latest awards, history books had to be rewritten. The only other player to achieve three MVPs and three DPOYs? Sheryl Swoopes, who helped establish the Houston Comets dynasty in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Swoopes, a trailblazer and one of the original faces of the WNBA, set a standard that for years seemed unmatchable. Now, Wilson has stepped into that space, carrying forward the mantle of two-way greatness into a new generation.
The comparison is particularly meaningful given the eras. Swoopes’ dominance came at a time when the league was still establishing itself, while Wilson’s accomplishments come during an era of unprecedented parity and global spotlight for women’s basketball. That Wilson has matched Swoopes’ feats against deeper rosters, faster pace, and heightened competition only magnifies the magnitude of the achievement.
MVP: The Heart of the Aces’ Offense
Wilson’s offensive game continues to evolve in ways that make her virtually unguardable. Known initially for her post dominance, she’s steadily expanded her arsenal to include mid-range efficiency, improved passing vision, and the ability to stretch the floor when necessary.
Her presence creates a ripple effect for the Aces. Opposing defenses collapse on her in the paint, opening opportunities for shooters like Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum. At the same time, her sheer consistency—often drawing double and triple teams—keeps Las Vegas’ offense humming no matter the circumstances.
Simply put: when Wilson has the ball, the Aces dictate the terms of engagement.
Defensive Player of the Year: The Anchor of Las Vegas’ Identity
If her offense wins games, her defense wins championships. Wilson’s third DPOY award reflects her status as the league’s most feared rim protector and versatile defender.
Her ability to guard multiple positions—whether protecting the paint against traditional bigs or switching out to contain quicker guards—makes her invaluable in an era where versatility is paramount. Beyond the box score, Wilson’s presence alone deters opponents from even attempting shots at the rim, altering game plans before the ball is even tipped.
It’s not just her shot-blocking that stands out. Wilson’s defensive communication, leadership, and ability to anchor schemes make her the backbone of the Aces’ success.
The Legacy Conversation
By joining Swoopes in this rare category, Wilson’s name is now firmly in the conversation for greatest WNBA players of all time. She’s only in her late 20s, meaning her prime could still span several more years. If she continues to add to her accolades—whether through more MVPs, DPOYs, or championships—she could very well separate herself from the rest of the field.
Fans and analysts alike have begun comparing Wilson to the likes of Tamika Catchings, Maya Moore, and Lisa Leslie, all of whom left indelible marks on the league. But Wilson’s unique ability to dominate both ends in equal measure gives her a chance to craft a legacy that might surpass them all.
Reaction Across the League
Social media erupted as soon as the milestone was announced. Fellow players, coaches, and fans showered Wilson with praise.
Former MVP Candace Parker tweeted: “What A’ja is doing right now is not just great—it’s historic. We’re watching greatness in real time.”
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo added during a broadcast: “To be in the same breath as Sheryl Swoopes means you’re at the absolute pinnacle of this sport. And the scary part? A’ja isn’t done yet.”
The WNBA community has long embraced Wilson as a face of the league, but this recognition cements her as a transcendent figure whose impact will be felt well beyond her playing days.
Conclusion: A Fun Stat, A Serious Legacy
The phrase “fun stat” doesn’t quite capture the weight of this achievement. For A’ja Wilson, joining Sheryl Swoopes as the only players in WNBA history to win three MVPs and three DPOYs is a career-defining milestone—and perhaps just the beginning of her ascent into GOAT conversations.
As the Aces continue to chase more titles, Wilson’s dual dominance ensures they will remain contenders for years to come. And as fans, all we can do is watch in awe as she builds a resume that could ultimately reshape the history of women’s basketball.
In a league where legends are made, A’ja Wilson has already carved her name alongside the greats. The only question now: how much further will she climb?
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