A’ja Wilson is no stranger to winning. The Las Vegas Aces center is a two-time WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, three-time WNBA MVP, and two-time Defensive Player Of The Year.
Over the years, Wilson has become a force and is widely regarded as the best player in the WNBA. With her competitive spirit, many expected Wilson to consider being in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled.
Wilson did not participate in this new venture, but many of her fellow WNBA stars did take part, leaving some to wonder why she chose to sit out the new league.
A’ja Wilson Reveals Why She Sat Out Unrivaled
Wilson was asked in her recent interview with Time why she chose to sit out of Unrivaled, and she was extremely candid:
“I like to enjoy my offseason. That’s my time to really just decompress,” Wilson said. “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. Because once the season gets in, no one’s gonna think, ‘Oh, you just got done playing Unrivaled, let’s take it easy.'”
Why did you decide not to participate in Unrivaled?
Wilson: 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… https://t.co/5CuqkDXtSL
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@VanshayM) February 20, 2025
Wilson’s honesty in this discussion with Time is refreshing, as she was very candid.
She also opened up about her WNBA future during this interview.
Wilson Wants To Remain With Aces After Kelsey Plum Departure
The Aces will have a different look this season, as a crucial piece of their team will be missing. Kelsey Plum, who spent the last seven seasons as a member of the Aces, was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in a three-team trade that brought Jewell Loyd to the Aces.
With Plum being such a cornerstone of the Aces, many wondered if this was a potential sign that Wilson would consider potentially leaving the team as well. She revealed she has no interest in leaving, but that the decision is ultimately up to the front office.
“I don’t want to. That’s more of a front-office question, but Vegas will forever be my home,” Wilson said. “I was their first draft pick ever of the franchise, so they really brought me in.
“And the things that we’ve done—straight out the gate, we set the standard for the league to follow, and we put a lot of other franchises in the league on their heels. If I could retire an Ace, I would love to. I don’t see myself putting on any different jersey.”
In this era of constant player movement, Wilson seems determined to remain with the franchise and retire with the Aces, which is admirable.
It will be a little strange to see Wilson take the court without Plum by her side, but the Aces’ Loyd and A’ja Wilson era should be a lot of fun.
