History of A'ja Wilson in Timeline

A'ja Wilson is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Known for her skill and athleticism, she has quickly become a prominent figure in women's basketball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 8, 1996: A'ja Wilson's Birth

On August 8, 1996, A'ja Riyadh Wilson was born. She is an American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Last Back-to-Back Championship

In 2001, the Los Angeles Sparks last repeated as champs.

2002: Last Back-to-Back Championship

In 2002, the Los Angeles Sparks last repeated as champs.

2014: Aces reached playoffs for the first time since 2014

In 2014, A'ja Wilson helped the franchise get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

2014: National High School Player of the Year

In 2014, A'ja Wilson was named the National High School Player of The Year, a Parade and McDonald's All-American, and the #1 rated ESPN HoopGurlz prospect after leading Heathwood Hall to the state championship as a senior.

2016: First SEC Player of the Year Award

In 2016, A'ja Wilson won her first SEC Player of the Year award and was a consensus All-American, while leading the Gamecocks to a SEC regular season and Tournament Championship.

2017: NCAA Women's Basketball Championship

In 2017, A'ja Wilson helped lead the South Carolina Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women's Basketball Championship and won the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player award.

2017: National Championship and Tournament MVP

In 2017, A'ja Wilson led the South Carolina Gamecocks to a SEC regular season and Tournament championship, and won the school's first national championship, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

May 2018: Graduation from the University of South Carolina

In May 2018, A'ja Wilson graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in mass communications.

May 2018: Signs with Nike

In May 2018, A'ja Wilson signed with Nike.

May 21, 2018: WNBA Career Debut

On May 21, 2018, A'ja Wilson made her WNBA career debut, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a loss to the Connecticut Sun.

June 16, 2018: Career-High 35 Points

On June 16, 2018, A'ja Wilson scored a career-high 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in an overtime victory against the Indiana Fever, becoming the second rookie in league history to achieve this feat. She was also voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game and named WNBA Rookie of the Year.

August 2018: Signs with Shaanxi Red Wolves

In August 2018, A'ja Wilson signed with the Shaanxi Red Wolves of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association for the 2018–19 off-season.

October 2018: Endorsement Deal with Mountain Dew

In October 2018, A'ja Wilson signed an endorsement deal with Mountain Dew, becoming the first female basketball player to sign with the brand.

2018: Best Season Statistically

In 2018, A'ja Wilson had her best season statistically, and won all of the National player of the year awards. She won a record 3rd straight SEC Player of the Year award, and was also a Consensus All-American for the third straight year. Wilson finished her college career at South Carolina as the all-time leading scorer for the school.

2018: Drafted First Overall

In 2018, A'ja Wilson was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces.

2018: SEC Player of the Year Award

In 2018, A'ja Wilson won a record third straight SEC Player of the Year award, led South Carolina to a record fourth straight SEC Tournament Championship, became the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina women's basketball history, and was a consensus first-team All-American for the third consecutive season. Wilson swept all National Player of the Year awards (Wade, AP, Honda, USBWA, Wooden, and Naismith) as the best player in women's college basketball.

June 29, 2019: New Career High 39 Points

On June 29, 2019, A'ja Wilson scored a new career-high 39 points in a 102–97 overtime victory against the Indiana Fever.

2019: A'ja Wilson Foundation Established

In 2019, A'ja Wilson established the A'ja Wilson Foundation, which advocates for preventing bullying and education around dyslexia. She is also a member of the WNBA Social Justice Council.

2019: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

In 2019, A'ja Wilson played for the "Home" roster during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

March 2020: 2020 Summer Olympics Postponed

In late March 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government postponed the 2020 Summer Olympics until the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 2020: Forbes 30 Under 30

In December 2020, A'ja Wilson was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 alongside fellow WNBA players.

2020: "Crossover Salon" Creation

During the 2020 Wubble season, A'ja Wilson continued her partnership with Mountain Dew and helped create the "Crossover Salon" to provide haircuts for players and coaches in the WNBA isolation zone.

2020: Podcast: Tea with A & Phee

In 2020, A'ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier hosted a podcast about the WNBA, Tea with A & Phee, produced by Just Women's Sports.

2020: First WNBA MVP Award

In 2020, A'ja Wilson won her first WNBA MVP award with the Las Vegas Aces.

April 2021: Burnt Wax Candle Company Started

In April 2021, A'ja Wilson started Burnt Wax Candle Company, a luxury candle line.

June 21, 2021: Named to Team USA Olympic Roster

On June 21, 2021, A'ja Wilson was named to the 12-player roster for Team USA for the 2020 summer Olympics.

2021: Podcast: Tea with A & Phee

In 2021, A'ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier hosted a podcast about the WNBA, Tea with A & Phee, produced by Just Women's Sports.

2021: Limited-Edition Hoodie and Durag Release

In the summer of 2021 before the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game, A'ja Wilson designed and released a limited-edition Mountain Dew hoodie and durag commemorating her 2020 MVP award.

August 2022: Sponsorship Deal with Ruffles

In August 2022, A'ja Wilson became the first female athlete to sign a multi-year sponsorship deal with Ruffles and released a signature chip, Smoky BBQ Ruffles Ridge Twists.

2022: First Title in Franchise History

In 2022, A'ja Wilson helped lead the Las Vegas Aces to their first title in franchise history.

2022: Second MVP and First Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2022, A'ja Wilson won her second MVP and first Defensive Player of the Year award, leading the Aces to their first championship in franchise history.

June 30, 2023: Contract Extension with the Aces

On June 30, 2023, A'ja Wilson signed a contract extension with the Las Vegas Aces.

August 22, 2023: Tied Single Game Scoring Record

On August 22, 2023, A'ja Wilson achieved a new career high in points, scoring 53 points along with 7 rebounds in a victory over the Atlanta Dream, tying the WNBA's single game record.

2023: Repeat as Defensive Player of the Year

Despite a strong regular season, A'ja Wilson repeated as Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

2023: Second Consecutive WNBA Title

Fueled by Wilson's late season dominance, the Aces won their second consecutive WNBA title, with Wilson earning her first Finals MVP. The 2023 WNBA Finals bested her 2023 regular season numbers of 22.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

2023: Second Title and Finals MVP

In 2023, A'ja Wilson repeated her championship feat with the Las Vegas Aces, earning the Finals MVP award.

February 2024: Publication of "Dear Black Girls"

In February 2024, A'ja Wilson published her first book, "Dear Black Girls", which became a The New York Times best seller that same month.

Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You

Check it on Amazon

April 2024: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In April 2024, Time named A'ja Wilson in their 2024 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

May 14, 2024: Response to Wilson's Commentary

On May 14, 2024, during the press conference before her professional debut in the WNBA, Clark was asked by Fox News Digital to respond to Wilson's commentary on Clark's rapid rise in popularity in relation to her race.

May 2024: Endorsement Deal with Gatorade

In May 2024, A'ja Wilson signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Gatorade and was featured in the company's "IT Hasn't Changed" ad campaign.

May 2024: Signature Sneaker Release

Six years later in May 2024, A'ja Wilson and Nike announced that she would be the 13th player in WNBA history to design and release a signature sneaker, the A'One.

June 5, 2024: 35+ Points, 10+ Rebounds and 5+ Steals in a Single Game

On June 5, 2024, A'ja Wilson became the first player to have at least 35+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in a single game in WNBA history against the Dallas Wings.

June 2024: Named to US Olympic Team

In June 2024, A'ja Wilson was again named to the US women's Olympic team to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, alongside fellow Aces teammates, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Wilson led the United States to defeat France 67–66 in the final, earning Wilson her second consecutive gold medal and the United States' eighth consecutive gold medal. Wilson was named the MVP of the tournament after leading Team USA in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, field goals made, free throws made, and efficiency. She was also named to FIBA's All-Star Five team.

July 7, 2024: Aces' All-Time Leading Scorer

On July 7, 2024, A'ja Wilson became the Las Vegas Aces' all-time leading scorer in a matchup against the Dallas Wings.

July 2024: NBA 2K25 Cover Athlete

In July 2024, A'ja Wilson was named the co-cover athlete for the All-Star edition and solo cover athlete for the WNBA edition of NBA 2K25, making Wilson the first WNBA player to be featured on a cover of a global edition of the game.