A'ja Wilson has won the 2026 WNBA Most Valuable Player award, extending her league record to five MVPs. Wilson is also the first player in WNBA history to win the honor three years in a row.

The Las Vegas Aces center received 65 of 74 first-place votes and nine second-place votes. Olivia Miles finished second, followed by Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart.

Wilson's fifth MVP ties her with NBA legends Michael Jordan and Bill Russell.

"That is incredible to be listed amongst those names," said Wilson. "That's basketball royalty. But also, this is the journey. I have to thank everybody. Just being a part of it, it has not been easy. But just to be in [that] list ... It speaks for itself."

Wilson made history with her efficiency. She became the first WNBA player to average 25 points while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

Wilson led the league in scoring (26.2 points per game), blocks (1.9), player efficiency rating (32.4) and win shares (9.4). Her scoring average ranks second in WNBA history, trailing only her own record from two years ago.

Wilson, who turned 30 in August, played 41 of 44 games despite back issues that kept her out of the FIBA Women's World Cup. The Aces closed the regular season on a seven-game winning streak to finish 31-13 and earn the No. 3 seed.

"Like I've said, 'Take her off Mount Rushmore, she's Everest,'" said Aces coach Becky Hammon. "Now I'm taking her off Everest, and I just have to put her on a different planet. You can be a really talented and skilled basketball player and not win as much as she has, and not become individually great as much as she has. She's the most coachable player I've ever been around. There's a reason why she keeps coming back better and better each year."

Wilson has also won three WNBA titles with the Aces, in 2022, 2023 and 2025, along with two Finals MVP awards.