“Dream big. Dream so big because you never know when you’re going to check them off,” A’ja Wilson said during a podcast, and it seems she has made her dreams come true. The 28-year-old center has proved her worth by winning back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 and earning Finals MVP honors in 2023.
Also, the “Diamond in the Rough” star helped her team reach the 2024 WNBA semifinals with a 27-13 record, averaging 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Her elite performances on both ends of the court have elevated her team and secured her a lucrative contract and endorsement deals. But how much does the Aces’ star make, and what is her total net worth? Let’s break it down.
A Look at Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson’s Net Worth, Salary
The Las Vegas Aces selected Wilson, a center, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, a move that marked the start of a new era for the team. Wilson entered the league after a stellar senior season at South Carolina, where she won the NCAA Championship and was named National Player of the Year. Her rookie season exceeded expectations, as she won Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
In 2024, Wilson signed a fully guaranteed two-year, $400,000 contract with the Aces for an average annual salary of $200,000.
Wilson began her career with an average rookie salary of $58,045, and her expected total earnings will reach $594,389 next season. While this salary is impressive by WNBA standards, it still pales compared to NBA salaries, continuing the discussion about pay equity in professional basketball.
“At this point, we’re going to continue to hope that people continue to invest in us. We have a lot of eyes on us. A lot of people are trying to pay attention. So now it’s kind of like put your money where your mouth is. Invest in us and show that you want to be a part of the change,” Wilson said at the Time 100 Gala last year.
Wilson’s basketball success has also attracted lucrative endorsement deals, boosting her total wealth. The Aces star has expanded her earnings through partnerships with Nike, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew. Sponsorship deals contribute a substantial portion of her income, leading to an estimated $2 million net worth.
Wilson’s superstardom began long before her WNBA career. During college, she played for the University of South Carolina under renowned coach Dawn Staley, earning numerous accolades and cementing her status as one of the most decorated NCAA players ever.
Wilson’s dominance in the WNBA has brought team success and elevated her financial standing. While the Aces compensate her well, her endorsement deals significantly boost her total earnings. But did you know that Wilson turned down an opportunity to increase her income even further?
Wilson’s Decision to Skip the Unrivaled League
A new basketball league has taken the women’s basketball world by storm — Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The league provides a domestic alternative for players who previously played overseas during the WNBA offseason.
Despite the league’s appeal, three-time WNBA MVP opted not to participate in Unrivaled’s inaugural season. Her reason? She wanted to prioritize her well-being.
“I like to enjoy my offseason. That’s my time to really just decompress. Unrivaled seems great — my teammates are loving it. Obviously, the money in it is amazing. And it’s like, dang, missing out. But wholeheartedly, not even trying to front, I just didn’t want to. I just want to protect my peace,” Wilson said in a Feb. 20, 2025, interview with Time.
Several of Wilson’s Las Vegas teammates, including Chelsea Gray, joined Unrivaled, with Gray even breaking a league record by scoring 39 points to lead The Rose to the championship game.
Wilson’s decision highlights the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over financial gains. Focusing on rest and recovery ensures that she remains at her peak performance level for the WNBA season, proving that peace of mind is sometimes more valuable than a paycheck.