2-Time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, Aces Agree to 2-Year Contract Extension

A'ja Wilson is staying in the desert.

The two-time WNBA MVP has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Las Vegas Aces, the team announced Friday.

"When the Aces made me their first-ever draft pick, they entrusted me with a lot," Wilson said in a statement. "I'm happy to still be in Las Vegas, winning games, playing at a high level, but also being a part of a community that has embraced me and my teammates over the past six years, and made this city a second home for me."

Aces head coach Becky Hammon added: "We're excited to have A'ja in an Aces uniform for the next two years. Her body of work speaks for itself—her impact on the game, on the community of Las Vegas and with her teammates. Everybody who is around her knows how special she is, and it is great to have her remain in the fold."

The Aces selected Wilson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft out of South Carolina and she has gone on to have one of the most impressive careers in recent memory in just six seasons.

Wilson earned back-to-back All-Star selections in her first two WNBA seasons in 2018 and 2019. She was also named the 2018 Rookie of the Year, 2020 WNBA MVP, 2022 WNBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

The 26-year-old was the driving force behind the Aces' 2022 WNBA championship run and she now has Las Vegas as the favorite to repeat as WNBA champions in 2023.

In 15 games this season, Wilson is averaging 19.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks while shooting 53.6 percent from the floor. She was recently named a 2023 WNBA All-Star captain alongside Breanna Stewart.

The Aces currently have the best record in the WNBA at 14-1 and it's hard to imagine any of the other franchises taking down Hammon's squad for the 2023 title, though the New York Liberty may have a chance with the likes of Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.

With Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray all locked up through at least 2024, the Aces are well positioned to make a dynasty run in the coming seasons.