2025 WNBA Contract Talks
In 2025, a significant topic of discussion emerged: the contract situation within the WNBA. During the season, players are set to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the league, leading to a rather tumultuous free agency period in January—something unprecedented for the league.
However, one player stands out above the rest: A’ja Wilson.
The situation is quite straightforward. Typically, a name like Caitlyn Clark would dominate the free agent market, but Clark still has two years remaining on her rookie contract. Naphesa Collier and Breanna Stewart will also be free agents in 2026; still, it’s highly likely that Collier will stay in Minnesota and Stewart in New York, as they both seem content and are key players on championship-caliber teams. Their respective franchises support them well, fulfilling their financial and operational needs.
This brings us back to Wilson.
A year ago, I would have confidently said Wilson would remain with Las Vegas. Now, though, I’m not so sure. As a three-time MVP, the question arises: Which team could Wilson realistically join? With the increasing instability in Las Vegas, it seems like the circumstances might push her towards a new opportunity.
Sure, the Las Vegas Aces could leverage her rights under the new CBA if they choose. But if Wilson opts for a change, she’s seen recent shifts in other players like Alyssa Thomas and Satu Sabally.
Support Issues for A’ja Wilson
One reason Las Vegas proved dominant in the 2022 and 2023 seasons was their talented roster. Wilson delivered MVP-level performances alongside strong contributions from Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum, who made them one of the league’s top offensive teams. However, that changed in 2024 and 2025. Now, Wilson bears the brunt of both offensive and defensive responsibilities for the Aces.
Gray sustained a leg injury towards the end of the 2023 season, sidelining her for the playoffs. Although she returned in 2024, her performance remained hampered by ongoing injuries. Plum managed an average of 17.8 points per game in 2024—reflective of a dip in her overall scoring since 2021, although she showed signs of improvement in 2025.
With these injuries and performance declines, Wilson found herself having to increase her scoring to keep the Aces competitive, which took a toll on her by season’s end, even as she set multiple league records.
The current season hasn’t brought any relief. The Aces traded Jewell Loyd with the expectation that she would serve as Wilson’s reliable second option. Instead, Loyd’s performances have fallen short, averaging just 11.1 points per game with a shooting percentage under 36%. Even with Gray still recovering, Wilson has not received the support she needs from the team.
In a recent stretch where Wilson missed three games due to a concussion, the Aces recorded a disappointing 1-2 record. They squandered leads against formidable teams, showcasing how crucial Wilson is to their success.
If the franchise fails to present Wilson with a solid plan for team development oriented around her strengths, it’s likely she’ll consider playing elsewhere.
Off-Court Drama Impacting Decisions
The Aces faced two investigations last year: one concerning the treatment of former player Dearica Hamby during her pregnancy, and the other focusing on salary cap compliance. The dynamic in the locker room appears strained, evident from Coach Becky Hammon’s remarks about the team’s lack of effort on the court.
When Wilson was sidelined due to her concussion, shortcomings in defense and overall team cohesion were glaringly evident. With a mediocre start to the season, sitting at seventh place in the WNBA with a 5-6 record, the Aces seem disconnected. The fact that Plum, who now plays with the Sparks, is averaging over 20 points per game only highlights further missteps in team transactions.
If Wilson believes that turmoil beyond her control is hampering the team’s success, she may choose to align herself with a franchise that offers a more stable environment.
Is Wilson’s Prime Being Wasted?
Approaching 29 years old, Wilson is undoubtedly still a formidable player. Yet, there’s a concern that her prime years could be squandered with the demands placed upon her. While she has consistently delivered outstanding performances, the scale of her role could lead to burnout.
It’s unrealistic for one player to shoulder the burden of scoring over 30 points per game, especially when she’s also tasked with being the primary defensive option. Championship teams typically have multiple stars that can share responsibilities, like the current New York Liberty team with stars like Stewart and Jones, who can effectively rotate their roles in critical moments.
Wilson needs to seize the opportunity if she feels she could elevate her game further with another team this season. Why spend time in an environment that demands too much and lacks the necessary support when surrounding conflicts persist?
Among the top talents in the WNBA, Wilson appears to be the most likely candidate for a change in 2026. Such a move could not only reshape the league but also influence other free agents, thrusting the Aces into a rebuilding phase. It’s a complicated situation, but as conditions keep deteriorating in Las Vegas, the idea of a shift feels increasingly viable.
