A’ja Wilson Makes History with Unanimous 2024 WNBA MVP Win

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has made history by becoming the second player in WNBA history to be unanimously crowned MVP. The announcement came just before the start of the league playoffs, adding to the excitement of the postseason.

Wilson's outstanding performance throughout the season has been recognized with this prestigious award. She set a new single-season rebound mark with 451 rebounds and became the first WNBA athlete to score over 1,000 points in a season.

Her impact on the court has been nothing short of remarkable, and her commitment to her team has not gone unnoticed.

According to Aces head coach Becky Hammon, Wilson's dedication to making her teammates better sets her apart. "We always talk about, 'Make your teammate great, and then in the process you become the greatest,'" Hammon explained. "A'ja is...the greatest, because she's so authentically committed to that: pulling greatness out of other people. She's amazing.

She's the best player in the world, and she's one of the best people in the world."

At just 28 years old, Wilson has already achieved significant milestones in her career. She now joins retired WNBA legends Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson as one of the only players to earn three career MVP awards. Her previous wins were in 2020 and 2022, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant players in the league.

The MVP voting for 2024 saw Lynx forward Napheesa Collier​ finish second, followed by 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart, Indiana rookie Caitlin Clark, and Connecticut Sun veteran Alyssa Thomas.

The recognition of these talented athletes highlights the depth of talent in the WNBA and sets the stage for an exciting postseason.

As the WNBA playoffs tipped off, all four top-seeded teams managed to avoid upsets in their first postseason games.

The league-leading Liberty secured an 83-69 win over the No. 8-seed Atlanta, with New York guard Courtney Vandersloot making postseason history by​ notching her 365th career playoff assist to break Sue Bird's all-time playoff record.

Connecticut's Marina Mabrey​ also made postseason history by scoring a playoff-record 27 points off the bench to help the No. 3-seed Sun defeat the No. 6-seed Fever 93-69. Meanwhile, MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier impressed with 38 points for the No. 2-seed Lynx in Minnesota's 102-95 victory over No. 7-seed Phoenix.

In a dramatic ending, No. 5-seed Seattle went cold against reigning champs Las Vegas in the fourth quarter, ultimately handing Las Vegas a 78-67 win. The stage is now set for the second round of games in the best-of-three first round, promising more thrilling matchups and intense competition.

In the world of women's sports, another notable development comes from the NWSL as Gotham FC's Kelley O'Hara lands on the season-ending injury list due to chronic knee degeneration. This announcement marks the end of O'Hara's illustrious career, as she played her last pro match on September 8th. Gotham FC will honor O'Hara's decorated career on October 20th during their final regular-season home game against Orlando.

Despite O'Hara's absence, Gotham FC secured their spot in the 2024 NWSL playoffs with a 1-0 win over last-place Utah. The victory solidified their postseason berth and set the stage for an exciting playoff run.

In a separate NWSL development, Kansas City also punched their ticket to the playoffs with a convincing win over the Washington Spirit. The Current's strong performance showcased their readiness for postseason action, adding to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming playoffs.

Amidst these developments, Gotham FC made history by becoming the first club in NWSL history to visit the White House for an official team celebration. After playing three matches in six days, Gotham FC traveled to Washington, DC, where they were honored by President Joe Biden for their 2023 NWSL championship win.

The significance of this event cannot be understated, as it marks a milestone for women's soccer in the United States. While the USWNT has visited the White House for winning the World Cup, only one women's soccer club had previously been honored in such a manner. The commemoration at the White House was a momentous occasion for Gotham FC and a testament to their achievements on and off the field.

In addition to celebrating their championship win, Gotham FC also announced that retired defender Ali Krieger has been named as the team's first-ever ambassador. Krieger's continued involvement with the club highlights the ongoing impact of veteran players in shaping the future of women's soccer.

As these historic moments unfold in both the WNBA and NWSL, they serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and resilience within women's sports. The recognition of A’ja Wilson as the unanimous MVP and the celebrations at the White House for Gotham FC are testaments to the growing prominence of women athletes and their contributions to sports at all levels.

With the playoffs in full swing and new milestones being achieved, the spotlight on women's sports continues to shine brightly, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans alike.