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 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is known for her skills and accomplishments in professional 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 now an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Los Angeles Sparks WNBA Champions

In 2001, the Los Angeles Sparks were crowned WNBA champions.

2002: Los Angeles Sparks Repeat as Champions

In 2002, the Los Angeles Sparks repeated as WNBA champions.

2014: National High School Player of the Year

In 2014, A'ja Wilson led Heathwood Hall to the state championship as a senior. Averaging 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game, she was named National High School Player of The Year, a Parade and McDonald's All-American, and the #1 rated ESPN HoopGurlz prospect. She committed to play for Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina.

2014: Aces made the playoffs

In 2014, the Aces made the playoffs for the first time.

2016: 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. Wilson led 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 she won the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player award.

2017: National Championship

In 2017, A'ja Wilson once again led the Gamecocks to a SEC regular season and Tournament championship, and went on to win the school's first national championship with a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

May 2018: Graduation from University of South Carolina

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

May 2018: Signed with Nike

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

May 21, 2018: WNBA Debut

On May 21, 2018, A'ja Wilson made her WNBA debut, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 101–65 loss to the Connecticut Sun.

June 16, 2018: Career-High Points

On June 16, 2018, A'ja Wilson scored a career-high of 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a 101–92 overtime victory against the Indiana Fever, becoming the second rookie in league history to score 35 points and grab 10 rebounds.

August 2018: Signed 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 into WNBA

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, leading South Carolina to a record fourth straight SEC Tournament Championship. She 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. A'ja Wilson swept all National Player of the Year awards.

June 29, 2019: New Career-High 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: Established A'ja Wilson Foundation

In 2019, A'ja Wilson established the A'ja Wilson Foundation that 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. The roster was made up of celebrities with Carolina roots.

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, Natasha Cloud and Chiney Ogwumike.

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: Tea with A & Phee Podcast

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

2020: First WNBA MVP

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

2020: Won MVP Award

In 2020, despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and key players being sidelined, A'ja Wilson led the Aces to an 18-4 season and the number 1 seed, ultimately winning the MVP award.

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

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

2021: Tea with A & Phee Podcast Continued

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

2021: Limited Edition Mountain Dew Merchandise

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: 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 league with 17 double-doubles. She helped propel the Aces to their second finals appearance in three seasons, where they defeated the Connecticut Sun, giving Wilson her first championship.

2022: WNBA Championship and MVP

In 2022, A'ja Wilson won her second WNBA MVP and helped lead the Las Vegas Aces to their first title in franchise history.

June 30, 2023: Contract Extension with Aces

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

August 22, 2023: Career High Points

On August 22, 2023, A'ja Wilson achieved a new career high in points, scoring 53 points and 7 rebounds in a 112–100 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Her 53-point performance tied the WNBA's single game record.

2023: Won Second Consecutive WNBA Title

Fueled by A'ja Wilson's late 2023 season dominance, the Aces won their second consecutive WNBA title by defeating the New York Liberty, earning A'ja her first Finals MVP.

2023: Aces win WNBA Championship

In 2023, A'ja Wilson repeated a WNBA title with the Aces while earning Finals MVP.

2023: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2023, A'ja Wilson repeated as Defensive Player of the Year.

February 2024: Publication of "Dear Black Girls"

In February 2024, A'ja Wilson's first book, "Dear Black Girls", was published and quickly became a The New York Times best seller.

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 a press conference before her WNBA debut, Clark responded to Fox News Digital regarding A'ja Wilson's commentary on her rise in popularity. Clark emphasized opportunities for all players and the parity in women's basketball, stating her enjoyment in growing the game and moving it forward.

May 2024: Signature Sneaker with Nike

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.

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.

June 5, 2024: First Player with 35+ Points, 10+ Rebounds and 5+ Steals

On June 5, 2024, in the match-up against the Dallas Wings, 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.

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.

July 7, 2024: Aces All-Time Leading Scorer

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

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 her the first WNBA player to be featured on a cover of a global edition of the game.

2024: Nike Single Sleeve Leggings Line

In 2024, A'ja Wilson began working with Nike to produce a line of leggings specifically designed for the single sleeve, which has been cited as a fashion and sports trend.