A’ja Riyadh Wilson, born on August 8, 1996, in Columbia, South Carolina, is a prominent American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Her basketball journey began at the University of South Carolina, where she led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Throughout her collegiate career, Wilson earned multiple accolades, including three consecutive SEC Player of the Year awards and the National Player of the Year honor in 2018.
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson made an immediate impact, earning the Rookie of the Year award. Her dominance continued as she secured the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice, first in 2020 and again in 2022. In 2022, she also claimed the Defensive Player of the Year title, showcasing her prowess on both ends of the court. Wilson’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the Aces to their inaugural WNBA Championship in 2022, a feat they repeated in 2023, with Wilson earning the Finals MVP honor.
On the international stage, Wilson has been a key contributor to Team USA, securing gold medals at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her exceptional performance in Paris earned her the tournament MVP award, highlighting her as a global basketball talent.
In recognition of her contributions to the University of South Carolina’s basketball program, Wilson’s No. 22 jersey was retired in February 2025, an honor that complements the existing statue of her outside the Colonial Life Arena.
Off the court, Wilson has made significant strides in the business realm. In May 2024, she announced a signature shoe deal with Nike, becoming the first Black woman to have a Nike signature shoe since 2002. The “A’One” shoe is slated for release in 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career and for representation in sports endorsements.
Wilson’s journey from a young athlete in South Carolina to a celebrated figure in professional basketball exemplifies her dedication, skill, and influence in the sport.
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