A'ja Wilson's 2026 WNBA MVP award argument just got its strongest endorsement yet. Dawn Staley, Wilson's college coach at South Carolina from 2014 to 2018, declared her former player the greatest of all time this week.
"She's already the GOAT," Staley said of the Las Vegas Aces standout. "She has done things that no other player has done."
Why Dawn Staley Says A'ja Wilson Has WNBA MVP Award on Lock
Wilson is currently averaging 26.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season. She also leads the league in blocks. That two-way dominance, Staley argued, is what puts Wilson above every other WNBA awards contender.
"You can argue with a wall. A'ja Wilson is the MVP," Staley said.
Kelsey Mitchell and Olivia Miles have both entered the conversation this year thanks to their offensive output. Mitchell is averaging 25 points per game. Miles, already a Rookie of the Year lock, is logging 19.8 with 4.7 rebounds. Still, Wilson's defense in Las Vegas gives her the edge, according to her former coach.
"A'ja's defense is the differentiator and the separator," Staley added.
"She is the best player in the league. Not taking anything away from the great season that Kelsey Mitchell has had. Who else is in the MVP race? Olivia Miles, super great season. On both sides of the ball, there is nobody doing it like A'ja. And you can't discount that."
Among other accolades, Wilson has already won four WNBA MVP trophies, more than any player in league history. Another nod would give her three in a row. And she''ll have more opportunities to prove her case as the Aces continue their WNBA playoffs run.
