A’ja Wilson’s Unanimous MVP Talks Sheds Light on the Only WNBA Player to Achieve the Feat

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ByOjas Jaiswal

Sep 8, 2024 | 12:33 PM EDT

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A'ja Wilson's unanimous MVP—Is she the greatest WNBA player of our generation?

As the regular season draws to a close, the MVP race continues to stir excitement. While numerous players have delivered impressive performances this year, many fans and analysts agree that if there is one name that stands out as the frontrunner for the honor, it’s the Las Vegas Aces Star — A’ja Wilson. Although the 28-year-old might be a strong contender for a unanimous MVP vote this season, she won’t be the first player to achieve such a feat.

Recently, the ESPN analyst and WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo tweeted, “There has only been one unanimous MVP in the history of the @WNBA . Cynthia Cooper was a unanimous choice in 1997, receiving all 37 first-place votes. There are 60 voters this year. (Research : @WBBTimeline , Zach Lewis, Stacy Hunt.)” It was the WNBA’s inaugural season when the former Houston Comets star, Cynthia Cooper, set a precedent by sweeping the MVP vote.

There has only been one unanimous MVP in the history of the @WNBA . Cynthia Cooper was a unanimous choice in 1997, receiving all 37 first-place votes. There are 60 voters this year. (Research :@WBBTimeline , Zach Lewis, Stacy Hunt.)
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) September 8, 2024

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Although other stars like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes also delivered remarkable performances, the USC graduate’s play was so exceptional that it made the MVP decision clear-cut for every voter. The former player-turned-coach averaged an impressive 22.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, solidifying her status as the unanimous MVP choice.

Lobo’s tweet has definitely spotlighted the legendary Cynthia Cooper, but the debate continues to swirl around A’ja Wilson’s MVP candidacy. Although a unanimous MVP win isn’t a sure thing for the Aces star, given the 60-voter panel, the excitement and discussions about her outstanding performance have undeniably put her in the spotlight.

Voices that place A’ja Wilson as an Unanimous MVP

In July, the Aces guard Kelsey Plum declared her a clear pick for this year’s MVP title. “I’m serious. I just wish that, like, moving forward, that…it’s a unanimous vote this year,” Plum said, noting Wilson’s impressive 26 points per game at that time. Since then, the University of South Carolina alum has only elevated her performance further.

Currently, Wilson leads the league with her dominating 27.6 points per game. She also ranks second in rebounds with 11.9 boards per game. Recently, she has lit up the scoreboard, scoring over 40 points in two of her last five games. Beyond the praise from her teammates, a media expert has also confirmed that Wilson is the clear MVP frontrunner. “You know A’ja Wilson is going to win it and no one else is going to come close. There’s no debating about it,” stated Elle Duncan.

While players like Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have also made their case in the MVP conversation, another ESPN analyst, Stephen A. Smith has outrightly shut down those arguments. “Caitlin Clark is in the conversation [MVP]—she ain’t gonna win it because A’ja Wilson is there,” stated Smith earlier. While it’s still uncertain if the 2x WNBA champion will repeat Cooper’s feat of achieving a unanimous vote, her impressive stats and leadership with the Aces make her a standout MVP candidate.