Victory hits different when it’s shared with loved ones. For A’ja Wilson, capturing her record-setting fourth MVP came with an extra surprise — receiving the trophy directly from her boyfriend, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo.
On Sunday, Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to win the award four times. The league posted the moment online, showing commissioner Cathy Engelbert delivering a speech before Adebayo personally handed Wilson the trophy.
The Aces star grew emotional as Engelbert praised her dominant 2025 campaign in front of teammates and family. It was a fitting tribute to a season that included Wilson also sharing Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with Alanna Smith — another first in WNBA history.
Wilson’s numbers backed it up: back-to-back seasons averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, plus 13 games with 30 or more points — the most ever in a single year.
“Voters Did What They Did”: A’ja Wilson Draws Bitter Comment From Cheryl Reeve Over Collier’s MVP Snub
While Las Vegas celebrated, not everyone was thrilled about the A’ja Wilson’s historic fourth MVP win. Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier finished runner-up, and Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve couldn’t hide her frustration when asked about the outcome.
“I don’t,” Reeve said when pressed for a reaction. “Just like Defensive Player of the Year, voters did what they did. We’re focused on Game 1.”
Her pointed remark tied back to Wilson’s unusual Co-DPOY win with Smith, the first time the award has been split in league history.
As Wilson and the Aces push deeper into the playoffs, her accolades continue to stack up — and the spotlight grows brighter. Whether celebrated with Bam on the court or challenged by rivals off it, Wilson’s name is already etched into WNBA history.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
