USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) walks off the court after the Aces victory over the Dallas Wings during game three of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) walks off the court after the Aces victory over the Dallas Wings during game three of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a good day to be an Aces fan. A’ja Wilson has been the cornerstone of their franchise for many years now, taking them to the promised land twice. Over the years, she has left it all on the hardwood floor for the Aces, and her resume speaks for itself! In amazing news for Las Vegas fans, Wilson doesn’t ever want to leave!
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For TIME’s annual Women of the Year issue, A’ja Wilson sat down for a conversation alongside gymnast Jordan Chiles. During the conversation, she was asked whether she would ever play for a different WNBA team. “I don’t want to.” The reigning MVP said, much to the joy of Las Vegas fans. “That’s more of a front-office question, but Vegas will forever be my home.”
She talked about how, as the organization’s first pick, her team set a standard for the WNBA. Their back-to-back championships were a defining moment for the W, and Wilson was a vital cog for the Aces. Her defense won them games, and won her DPOY honors twice!
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WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and gymnast Jordan Chiles became fast friends in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics.
For TIME’s annual Women of the Year issue, the athletes reunite for a conversation about a game-changing year in women’s sports https://t.co/azDx5uxuax pic.twitter.com/iPixvyBLUx
— TIME (@TIME) February 20, 2025
A’ja Wilson put the ball in the front office’s court. “If I could retire an Ace, I would love to. I don’t see myself putting on any different jersey.” Her words are a testament to the loyalty she has for her city. She loves hooping, and she loves to hoop for Vegas.
These statements are a relief for Las Vegas fans. They suffered heart-break recently with the departure of Kelsey Plum. The WNBA all-star had been with the Aces since before it moved to Las Vegas, and it was a shock to see her leave all of a sudden. However, A’ja Wilson does not intend to follow in her footsteps. The MVP is here to stay, and we’re all for it!
The new look Aces, how does the addition of Jewell Loyd affect the former champions?
The Kelsey Plum-Jewell Loyd trade has changed the landscape of the WNBA, and fans didn’t know how to react! With Plum not signing an extension, and entering free-agency, we all knew it was coming. How it panned out, however, was something no one expected.
A’ja Wilson, on the other hand, played a large role in bringing over the Seattle Storm star. “Jewell is a complete dog on both sides of the floor, and that is something we obviously need.” The Aces star said about her new teammate, and rightfully so!
Imago
Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd (24) reacts against the LA Sparks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Loyd had an amazing year last season, putting up nearly 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists a game. She adds a lot of depth to the Aces squad, who have the second highest odds to win the championship this season. The 1-2 punch that Jewell Loyd can pack alongside Wilson is something we’re all excited to watch!
The Las Vegas Aces are trying to win it all this year. They have their work cut out for them with New York and Indiana on the rise, but it doesn’t look like A’ja Wilson will back down from the challenge. It will be interesting to see how the Aces will perform in absence of Plum, and with the all-star caliber player in Jewell Loyd.
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Cherry Sharma