The Sporting News’ Praise for Wilson / sportsearchers.com

South Carolina legend A’ja Wilson has been recognized as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, earning a first-team selection in The Sporting News’ all-time rankings of the league’s best talents.

The Sporting News’ Praise for Wilson

Writer Stephen Noh offered high praise for Wilson’s accomplishments at just her current age: “Wilson has done more before the age of 30 than almost anyone else has in their entire career. Her record-setting four MVP awards and three Defensive Player of the Year selections speak for themselves. In 2025, she became the only player to ever win a scoring title, regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season.”

Noh also highlighted how her individual accolades have translated to team success: “That hardware has also led to high-level winning, as she carried the Aces to three titles during a four-year stretch and perennial contention throughout the 2020’s. Her fluidity on the floor, elite fundamentals, and unbelievable defensive talent put her firmly in the eyes of many as the best to ever play the game.”

A Legitimate GOAT Candidate

Despite only recently turning 30, Wilson is already being discussed as a realistic candidate for the title of greatest player in league history. She currently sits as the favorite to win a record-extending fifth MVP award, and she and Las Vegas are pursuing what would be a fourth WNBA championship this fall.

Breaking Down the All-Time Teams

The Sporting News’ rankings included a first, second, and third team, comprising six guards, six forwards, and three centers across the full list. Wilson earned her spot on the first team as a forward, joining an elite group that included guards Diana Taurasi and Cynthia Cooper, forward Tamika Catchings, and center Lisa Leslie.

The second team featured Sue Bird, Sheryl Swoopes, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Lauren Jackson, while the third team included Katie Smith, Lindsay Whalen, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Sylvia Fowles.

What This Means for Wilson’s Legacy

Being named to the first team alongside legends like Taurasi, Cooper, Catchings, and Leslie — all foundational figures in WNBA history — underscores just how quickly Wilson has cemented her place among the sport’s true greats. With her individual accolades already unmatched at her age and her championship pursuit ongoing, this recognition adds another significant marker to a résumé that continues to grow with each passing season, further solidifying South Carolina’s basketball program as a pipeline for some of the greatest talent the sport has ever produced.