What's Going On With The WNBA
Aug 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh talks to forward Angel Reese (5) during the second half of a WNBA game against the Seattle Storm at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images ©Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesThe Angel Reese trade to the Dream left Carmelo Anthony in disbelief. Two first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 while also conceding 2028 second-round swap rights for a two-time All-Star was not something he was expecting. âYâall are bugging,â Anthony said. It just added fuel to the fire for Chicago Sky. Last year, the Sky was voted the âworst organizationâ by the players in the Athletic poll. The 10-34 record had already raised red flags after some win-now moves, leading to intense criticism. Now, coach Tyler Marsh has pushed back on the âsocial mediaâ narratives ahead of the 2026 season.
It has been a busy offseason for the Sky. After the Angel Reese trade, they have brought in some elite talent. Skylar Diggins arrives as an elite floor general from the Storm. They traded Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson to add young talent. AzurĂĄ Stevens returned to Chicago. The Sky even managed to get DiJonai Carrington away from the Minnesota Lynx. Marsh used these top-of-the-line signings as an example of why the narratives are âfake.â
âPlayers are aware of the negative things that get said. Weâre all engaged in social media and whatâs going on around us,â Marsh said in the press conference. âBut Skylar has been around this league long enough to know whatâs real and whatâs fake, and thereâs a reason she wanted to be here.â
The narratives have not been without reason. This offseason, the Sky traded two second-round draft picks for the expansion teams to not pick their players in the draft. The same squad that they are now rebuilding. The Reese trade is understandable because of lingering tension from last year.
Yet, it felt like they were falling into old patterns, like in the case of Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Kahleah Copper, and Gabby Williams. However, the franchise has bounced back and the players are backing the management.
Skylar Diggins cited proximity to her home, Notre Dame, and her family as one of her major reasons for moving to Chicago. However, she also ensured the franchise was heading in the right path. âJust listening to the direction of the Chicago Sky, talking to Tyler, talking to Jeff, I thought this was going to be a great fit for me,â she said. Marsh further shut down the narratives that Rickea Jackson is involuntarily in Chicago.
Jul 19, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Collier guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts in the fourth quarter against Team Clark in the 2025 WNBA All Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesâThereâs some discernment there that sheâs able to recognize. I know one of your reporters mentioned that Rickea didnât have much of a say in her trade, but players do have a lot of say nowadays,â Marsh said. âIf she didnât want to be part of what weâre building, she could voice that.â
The Sky corrected one of their major blunders with this trade. Conceding the No. 3 pick (Sonia Citron) and a 2027 first-round swap for Atkins last offseason was a disaster. But Jacksonâs addition can make up for the losses. There was no solid reporting that Jackson had no say in it. While Jackson admitted that the âtimeline was very fast,â she maintained excitement for the fresh start.
âYou donât get an Azura that left and want to come back here if youâre not doing things the right way,â Marsh further said. âAs much as people want to speak on the negative, make sure youâre speaking about the things we do well just as loudly.â
The Sky has certainly built a competitive roster. But there is also the role of the new facility in these signings. Many players in the past have expressed disdain for Skyâs practice facility, the Sachs Recreation Center. Most recently, it was Rebecca Allen who described her experience in Chicago as âa little bit miserable. â But Jeff Pagliocca and Tyler Marsh seem to have learned from their past mistakes.
Chicago Sky Plan a Playoff Push Despite Losing Angel ReeseLast couple of seasons, Angel Reese was the major contributor in almost every win. She was a walking double-double, averaging 14.1 points, 2.1 assists and 12.9 rebounds while making two All-Star Teams. She was the centerpiece of this project. Itâs very rare that a team can improve after losing such a talent. But even with her gone, Jeff Pagliocca is confident that the Sky will aim for the top.
âWe couldnât be more proud of that last week and the draft,â Pagliocca said. We felt like we had a plan, we stuck to it, and we got our targets. Weâre looking to compete with the best teams in the league, so Iâm not going to give you a number, but weâre going to try to go after everybody.â
The team has a little bit of everything. Skylar Diggins averaged 15.5 points and 6 assists per game for Storm last year and brings experience. DiJonai Carrington adds defensive impact and hustle after averaging 1.2 steals per game for the Lynx while averaging just 16.6 minutes. Courtney Vandersloot is a more than capable backup point guard while coming off an ACL injury.
They retain Kamilla Cardoso in the paint, who will bring the size. Azura Stevens partly consolidates the rebounding lost in Reese as she averaged 8 rebounds and 12.8 points last year. The team is built to be miles better than last year but there are questions to be answered. Can they gel with so many new pieces? Marsh is still an inexperienced coach and will need to prove himself. Nevertheless, the offseason has constructed an all-around team, now it is up to the execution.
Former Indiana Fever star Erica Wheeler refused to let the doubters have the last word. The 34-year-old guard secured a two-year, $1.25 million deal to join the Los Angeles Sparks for the 2026 WNBA season.
The contract marks a significant payday for the 11-year veteran. Wheeler, a former Rutgers standout, went undrafted in 2013 before catching on with the Atlanta Dream.
She proved her worth over two stints with the Fever. She was with the team from 2016 to 2019. Wheeler earned an All-Star selection and the 2019 All-Star Game MVP award. She returned to Indiana in 2023, then left again after the 2024 season.
The scrappy floor general also suited up for the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream and Sparks. She suited up for the Seattle Storm last season.
Wheeler brings career averages of 9.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals across 341 games. Not everyone celebrated her new deal, though.
Former Indiana Fever star Erica Wheeler during a WNBA game© Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWheeler is among the latest free agents to cash in following the new CBA. The league's salary cap jumped from $1.5 million to $7 million, triggering a wave of lucrative deals.
Former Fever player Temi Fagbenle also turned heads, agreeing to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Toronto Tempo.
The money, however, stirred up strong opinions online. Wheeler took aim at critics on X, calling out those who took issue with WNBA players earning top dollar.
"Yall be hating so bad on WNBA players like it's sad! lol," she wrote on Wednesday. "Like how you mad someone is making a million dollars lol oh it's cause you make less than 150 a year? What type of humans are y'all? Like are u sick? Like did u guys get picked on growing up? Like I am honestly concerned!"
Wheeler stood firm. Her comments targeted those begrudging players over their long-overdue earnings.
"Let me clarify this! This is for the people who are MAD WNBA players are making money now," she wrote in a follow-up post. "This is not at the people who are happy for us and who held it down with us. I meant no disrespect but to the ones who don't wanna see W players win that tweet is for you!"
With a new contract in hand, Wheeler arrives in Los Angeles with something to prove. The critics only add fuel to the fire.
Related: Caitlin Clark Reacts to Fever's WNBA Free Agency Announcement
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Former UConn Huskies stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, who are in a romantic relationship, are now teammates again.
Bueckers, last year's No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick, is teaming up with Fudd, this year's No. 1 overall pick, on the Dallas Wings. But Dallas' selection of Fudd at No. 1 overall is now facing scrutiny. Fudd was far from a lock to go No. 1 overall.
Did Dallas select Bueckers' girlfriend as a favor to their star player?
Aug 8, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the first half against the New York Liberty at College Park Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesAmong those calling out the WNBA is former Sports Illustrated reporter Jeff Pearlman, who shared a video on his TikTok account.
Pearlman called Dallas' selection of Fudd at No. 1 overall the biggest story no one is talking about right now.
WNBA gets called out over the relationshipPearlman is accusing the WNBA of asking people not to talk about it.
âAzzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers are in a long-term relationship, and nobodyâs mentioning it. And the WNBA clearly has asked people not to mention it. And itâs very journalistically confusing to me,â he said.
âLike, it is fascinating that these two people who have been dating for a long time, dating back to college, would be the starting backcourt for a team. To me, that is actually the number one piece of this story. Itâs not just that they drafted Azzi Fudd, they drafted Azzi Fudd to play with her longtime partner, Paige Bueckers.â
Pearlman pointed out that Fudd's relationship with Bueckers wasn't mentioned by ESPNâs draft broadcast, or in print write-ups about the Wingsâ pick from ESPN.com, The Athletic, or the Dallas Morning News.
The longtime sports reporter is continuing to ask questions.
âEither the agents of these players or the league itself is telling reporters, if you want access, do not mention this. Donât bring it up,â he explained.
âI actually think itâs more of an unfair judgment of women, not to mention it. Like, why is this taboo? Why are two women in a relationship even remotely taboo in 2026? It shouldnât be at all.
âIs that a sign of the times, is that the political world we live in? I donât understand. But to me ⊠itâs the number one story, that the Wings have taken this roll-of-the-dice on this. Hopefully itâll work. What happens when you have two people, you reunite them together, theyâre in the same backcourt, but they also date, and they love each other, and blah, blah, blah, young love. Itâs an amazing, amazing story.â
WNBA fans, meanwhile, are defending it.
"WNBA is a business, relationships are personal. Hope this helps!" one wrote.
"Paige and Azzi have intentionally not been seen/posting as a couple since after (I believe) WNBA All-star. Azzi will occasionally mention Paige on her podcast. The amount of attention these young ladies received was so over the top and overwhelming," one fan added.
"They've been playing together since HS. Their relationship has nothing to do with their chemistry. It also wasn't the story for them in college so it really shouldn't be the driving focus," one fan added.
The Wings, meanwhile, are scheduled to open the regular season on May 9 against Indiana.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Caitlin Clark is set to begin her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever in 2026, with training camp just a few days away. In 2025, Clark missed most of the regular season and all of the playoffs due to numerous injuries. But the Fever still went on to upset the Atlanta Dream in the first round before taking the Las Vegas Aces to overtime in Game 5 of the semifinals.
Due to numerous injuries on the roster during the playoffs, including to Clark and Sophie Cunningham, the Fever were forced to bring in multiple players late in the season. This included Odyssey Sims, Aari McDonald and Chloe Bibby, all of whom saw significant action. And while none of them appear to be returning to the Fever, there is another who still appreciates her time with the team.
Indiana Fever players Aerial Powers, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston look on from the sidelines during the WNBA All-Star Skills Night.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesAerial Powers, after a college career with Michigan State, was selected by the Dallas Wings with the No. 5 pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. After three seasons in Dallas, the guard bounced around the league over the next eight years, including stints with the Washington Mystics, Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, before the Fever picked her up in late August due to the wave of injuries.
Powers played a big role for Indiana in the regular season, averaging 9.0 points and 2.4 assists in eight games off the bench. She also saw action during the Feverâs playoff run, appearing in all eight games and averaging 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game. And following the 2025 season, Powers saw her contract come to an end, becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Like the others, Powers has not re-signed with Indiana and is still awaiting her WNBA future. But it appears she valued her time with the Fever, responding to a fan who said they enjoyed watching her play in Indianapolis.
"That means everything to me đ€," Powers wrote on X. "Indy always showed me real love, I appreciate you fr!"
That means everything to me đ€ Indy always showed me real love, I appreciate you fr! https://t.co/lJZ7Kd4Ev3
â LIQUID | Aerial Powers (@aerial_powers23) April 15, 2026The Fever will open up the 2026 WNBA season on May 9, hosting the Dallas Wings. Training camp will begin on Sunday.
Related: Indiana Fever Facing Backlash Over Decision on Former Guard
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesI'm not sure we've seen an offseason more chaotic than the one the WNBA just had. First, we had the stress of CBA negotiations that could've ended in either a players' strike and season cancellation or a groundbreaking deal that would change the course of women's basketball forever. I think we're all glad it was the latter. Now, free agency and the draft have turned most teams' rosters upside down. We'll have to get used to all these new faces in new cities pretty quickly as the first regular-season game tips off on Friday, May 8.
With that being said, now that the offseason is coming to an end, it's time to start discussing what really matters. How might these teams mesh and perform when they finally hit the court? Here are our preseason WNBA power rankings.
15. Portland FireIt's no secret that this year's expansion teams have taken different approaches in their inaugural seasons. The Portland Fire don't seem to be in a "win now" mindset; they are seemingly building for the long game. For example, with their first pick in the draft, at No. 7, they selected Iyana Martn. Martn is a phenomenal guard from Spain, but will not be joining the league until next season. They selected some great players, like Bridget Carleton and Carla Leite, in the expansion draft - but it's clear Portland isn't looking to come out swinging; instead, they'll take time to develop and lean into their long-term vision.
14. Connecticut Sun
Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan | David Butler II-Imagn ImagesThe Connecticut Sun is still a fairly young team. They've kept their core group from last season in Leila Lacan, Saniya Rivers and Aneesah Morrow. Their 2025 second-leading scorer, Marina Mabrey, has joined the Toronto Tempo, and it still remains unclear what their top-leading scorer, Tina Charles, plans to do for the 2026 season. They did see two free agency additions in 2024 WNBA Champion, Kennedy Burke and 9-time All-Star Brittney Griner.
Those newcomers will help in the paint, but the Sun will need to have more success shooting this season. They were last in the league in 2025, shooting only 30.2 percent from beyond the arc. Although, they did a fairly good job selecting shooters at the draft. We'll see how guard Gianna Kneepkens fits into and helps this already young squad.
13. Seattle StormThe Storm took quite the hit in free agency, as four of their five starters departed. Replacing Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Brittney Sykes and Gabby Williams will be next to impossible. They also lost Erica Wheeler. And it was apparent they weren't looking to replace their stars, but instead enter a rebuilding period. This team's new core consists of Ezi Magbegor, Dom Malonga, Natisha Hiedeman, Jordan Horston and draftee Flau'Jae Johnson. At least I can assume that might be the Storm's starting five. The Storm also drafted Awa Fam with the third-overall pick. The frontcourt duo of Malonga and Fam will take time to develop, but Seattle is seemingly just fine with that.
12. Toronto Tempo
Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn ImagesI love how aggressively the Toronto Tempo has approached their inaugural season. The Tempo front office seems to be building a team that they want to see have a real chance at winning. They selected Marina Mabrey in the expansion draft, and immediately gave her an elite backcourt partner in 2025 All-Star Brittney Sykes during free agency. The Tempo also had signings from Temi Fagbenle and Isabelle Harrison during free agency. They drafted sharp-shooter Kiki Rice with their first draft pick. It will, of course, take time for this squad to get acquainted with each other on the court, but the potential is there.
11. Chicago SkyThe Chicago Sky had one of the best free agencies this offseason. Their additions consist of seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, Azur Stevens, DiJonai Carrington, Jacy Sheldon and draftee Gabriela Jaquez. Just looking at these names together, I want to rank them higher but like a lot of these teams with new faces, it will take time on the court for them to really start to gel. With a leader like Skylar Diggins at the helm, this Chicago Sky team is in great hands. Stevens and Jackson also just spent the last two seasons together in Los Angeles. I think I'm most excited to see how this Sky team shapes up.
10. Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride | Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesRanking the Minnesota Lynx right now is incredibly hard, simply because no one is sure about Napheesa Collier's availability for the season. She had surgery on both ankles during the offseason, and it's unclear when she will make her 2026 season debut. Collier averaged 22.9 points per game in 2025. She'll be a big missing piece for this roster while she continues to recover. They also had some key departures in free agency, like Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, Jessica Shepard and Natisha Hiedeman. We all know we can never count this Minnesota Lynx squad out, though. They signed an elite big in Natasha Howard during free agency. She will help in Phee's absence. Also, the duo of returner Kayla McBride and newcomer Olivia Miles will be incredibly exciting to watch.
9. Phoenix MercuryThe Mercury is another team that took some pretty big hits during free agency, without any big additions. The biggest departure being Satou Sabally. Last season, Sabally averaged 16.3 points per game for the Merc. Luckily, Phoenix was able to keep its other two top scorers, Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. Any team with Thomas and Copper at the helm is going to be solid, but they went all the way to the finals last season, so this year might be a bit of a downgrade. Although I'm not one to bet against Alyssa Thomas. Free agency is also still ongoing and trades are always an option, so maybe we'll see them make a move in hopes of filling the Sabally void.
8. Washington Mystics
Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron celebrates with forward Kiki Iriafen | Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThe Washington Mystics have some serious decisions to make during training camp. They had six total picks in this year's WNBA Draft. They will definitely be waiving some players. It's been clear that Washington's strategy is to lean into and build around a younger group. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are coming back for year two after both having All-Star debuts last season. Georgia Amoore is expected to make her return after sitting out her rookie campaign due to a torn ACL. They also managed to keep restricted free agent Shakira Austin. With draft picks like Lauren Betts, Cotie McMahon, Rori Harmon, and Angela Dugali, this team has serious potential, in my opinion. They missed the playoffs last season. I predict this season they won't.
7. Dallas WingsIf the Wings are just aiming to have a better season than last, they wouldn't have to work too hard. They finished dead last in the standings in 2025. Through free agency, it's become apparent that they're not just trying to have a better season; they want to have a great one. 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Alanna Smith, joined the Wings during free agency, along with Jessica Shepard and Alysha Clark. These additions, especially Smith, will be great for Dallas. And of course, choosing Azzi Fudd at No. 1 overall in this year's draft could not have been a better decision for Dallas. They shot only 30.4 from beyond the arc in 2025. I suspect Fudd will step that shooting up tremendously. I'm excited to see the trio of Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers and Fudd grow through the season.
6. Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton | Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesAfter such an exciting and successful inaugural season, it will be intriguing to see how the Valkyries keep that energy going throughout year two. I'd say they're off to a pretty good start. During free agency, Golden State signed defensive weapon Gabby Williams. Last season with Seattle, Williams averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game. The departures of Monique Billings and Carla Leite will need to be adjusted to, but Golden State keeping Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton through free agency is important. This group has serious potential this season.
5. Los Angeles SparksThe Los Angeles Sparks are another team that saw quite a few changes during this offseason. Their key departures consist of Azur Stevens, Rickea Jackson, Julie Allemand and Sarah Ashlee Barker. But they also signed one of the best available free agents in Nneka Ogwumike, who will make her return to Los Angeles. Ogwumike knows what it takes to win for the Sparks. She's already in the history books, including the 2016 WNBA Championship. She alone takes this team to another level. The Sparks managed to keep Kelsey Plum, one of the best shooters in the league, during free agency. They're another squad that missed the playoffs last season. I suspect this season will be different.
4. Indiana Fever
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark | David Butler II-Imagn ImagesIndiana will likely be a top-contending team this season. They did not see any detrimental departures during free agency. Natasha Howard did leave; she averaged 11.4 points per game last season. But they were able to pick up Monique Billings, who had a great 2025 season with Golden State. Last season was riddled with injuries for this Fever squad, including Caitlin Clark, but they were still able to make the playoffs. This season, with the assumption that it will be fully healthy, should show even more growth. A fully healthy Caitlin Clark, who hasn't played WNBA basketball in over 9 months? I'm sure she'll have some major production for this Indiana squad this season. Indiana was third in the league in field-goal shooting last year. With Clark back on the floor, plus the addition of draftee Raven Johnson, they should only get better.
3. Atlanta DreamThe Atlanta Dream is another team that didn't see much harmful change this offseason. They were able to keep their dynamic duo of Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray together, plus keep Jordin Canada. Oh, and they had a major get when they acquired Angel Reese. Reese might not be as experienced as Brittney Griner, who the Dream lost in free agency, but she is absolutely dominant. Reese led the league in rebounds last season and was one of only two players to average a double-double. This squad will be elite. I can suspect they will be top contenders all season long.
2. New York Liberty
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and guard Sabrina Ionescu | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesNew York has been a top contender year in and year out; this season should be no different. Their 'Big 3' of Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart all decided to stick around through free agency for a chance at another title together. Just those three are enough to convince me of the potential this season has for the Liberty. Then, you add free agent Satou Sabally into the mix and the likelihood of this being a great season increases. In a hopefully fully healthy season, another championship is absolutely the ceiling for this squad.
1. Las Vegas AcesSpeaking of championships. Yeah, this shouldn't surprise anyone. I'd love to say, "Oh, the Aces didn't see many changes during the offseason, so they should see just about the same level of success." But no, somehow this team obtained more weapons during the offseason to make them even better. Chennedy Carter is back in the WNBA after spending last season overseas. During the 2024 season with Chicago, Carter averaged 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. They also added Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot, who both hold elite veteran experience. Those additions, plus all of their most dominant players from last year's championship team, should scare the rest of the league.
More WNBA news and analysis:Way-too-early 2027 WNBA Mock Draft: It's JuJu Watkins timeRanking the best WNBA free agents still on the boardAzzi Fudd, Lauren Betts and way-too-early WNBA Rookie of the Year favoritesFlau'jae Johnson, Gabriela Jaquez and the most confusing picks of the WNBA DraftThis article was originally published on www.fansided.com as WNBA Power Rankings: A first look at a brand new league.
IMAGN ©IMAGNFor a player who has conquered every peak in the WNBA, there was only one mountain left to climb: the salary cap. Aâja Wilson just planted her flag on top of it.
âAâja Wilson is signing the LARGEST CONTRACT IN WNBA HISTORY after agreeing to a three-year, $5M fully guaranteed supermax with the Aces, per @ShamsCharania@Andraya_Carter. The four-time MVP & three-time champ just got paid,â shared Bleacher Report on their X handle, revealing this news.
Although the exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, according to ESPN, it was a three-year, $5 million supermax contract that is fully guaranteed and is the largest in WNBA history. She is slated to earn $1.67 million a year, and it surpasses Kelsey Mitchellâs $1.4 million earnings this season.
This massive jump was thanks to the new CBA, which allowed the supermax contract to take up 20% of the salary cap, up from the previous 16.5%. With Wilson meeting both the minimum years (5 years) and honours criteria (multiple all-WNBA honors), she was in line to receive a bumper supermax contract, and the Aces did not disappoint.
And as soon as the news was public, the good wishes started pouring in from her peers.
âCongrats, fam!â said Brittney Griner, giving her due credit for her achievements. Griner herself signed a $1.19 million deal with the Connecticut Sun on a supermax contract.
Notably, Griner and Aâja Wilson have played together, never got to combine in the WNBA, but did get a chance to pair up as teammates on Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic) and in subsequent USA Basketball competitions. It was their partnership that helped the USA to secure the gold medal in Tokyo as Griner led with 30 pts in the final and Aâja was right behind her with 19 pts of her own.
WNBA also chimed in to congratulate her.âCongrats, MVP,â read their comment. The seven-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year has guided Las Vegas to its third title in four seasons in 2025, and you can tell why they have a soft spot for the WNBAâs resident champ.
âLegendary,â said former Harlem Globetrotters Bree Green. Even the word legendary seems to be dwarfed when you talk about a player like Aâja Wilson. Who else has a resume quite like hers? With the Las Vegas Aces, she has created an era that will be remembered forever. Three titles in a span of four years in such a competitive WNBA setup really shows what a special player Aâja is and how lucky the Aces are to have her.
The praise wasnât limited to fellow players; even Aces President Nikki Fargas publicly lauded her superstar, highlighting her importance to the franchise.
Fargas Praises Wilson For Her Contributions To The AcesYou know you are cherished when everyone gives you props. More so when even the Aces president herself comes out in public and acknowledges your contributions.
âAâja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today. Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity, and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform,â said Nikki Fargas.
Las Vegas has been Wilsonâs only professional home since the Aces drafted her with the No. 1 overall pick in 2018. Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals in 40 games last season, earning her fourth MVP trophy.
So far, Aâja has career averages of 21.4 points⊠in 267 games (266 starts), a number that is only going to get better and better with the new contract in place.
As Aâja will keep on spearheading the Aces every step of the way, the team will get more and more formidable every passing day, and that should be a worrying factor for any rival WNBA team that is hoping for a run at the title.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is turning out to be one of the biggest successes in league history after posting massive viewership numbers.
Many emerging talents like former UConn star Azzi Fudd are now set to make their impact in the WNBA. Meanwhile, itâs clear that the leagueâs growth is undeniable based on early results from the 2026 draft.
MORE: Caitlin Clark has controversial history with Indiana Feverâs first WNBA draft pick
In fact, ESPN revealed Thursday that this yearâs WNBA Draft is the second most-watched event in league history. The evening full of college basketball stars featured over 1.8 million peak viewers tuning in.
ESPN delivered the 2nd most-watched WNBA Draft EVER
đ 1.5M viewers tuned in to Monday's '26 presentation, up 20% YoY
đ Peak 1.8M
Details: https://t.co/qyfWOJDMECpic.twitter.com/OJvFTRf8gS
The 2026 WNBA Draft certainly wasnât short of storylines, which absolutely plays into ESPNâs massive TV ratings. Roughly 1.5 million fans watched the eveningâs draft coverage as the Dallas Wings secured Fudd with their first pick.
Meanwhile, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert became a viral topic of her own for all the wrong reasons after awkwardly attacking a reporterâs question. Engelbert was simply asked how long she intends on staying on as WNBA commissioner after taking the job in 2019.
However, the 61 year old quickly drew outrage online after questioning the reporterâs motives.
âI do crack up how everybodyâs focused on me, and you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,â Engelbert said, via USA Today.
MORE: WNBA records that may never be broken
WNBA Draft proves to be major winThe draft festivities still managed to shine a light on many incredible athletes looking to make an immediate impact with their new teams. NCAA womenâs basketball champions UCLA proved to be a force as well.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert poses with Indiana Fever star Raven Johnson at the WNBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Top Bruins stars like Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice were selected over the course of three straight picks in the first round. However, significant attention still focused on Fudd as she links up with former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers in Dallas.
Bueckers and Fudd began a romantic relationship prior to both players being drafted into the WNBA. Now, they will share a locker room as the Wings look to build around the cornerstone talents.