A’ja Wilson is more than just a dominant force on the basketball court—she’s a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and role model whose influence stretches far beyond the game. Here’s an in-depth, up-to-date look at her personal life, career, finances, and legacy.
A’ja Wilson’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | A’ja Riyadh Wilson |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | August 8, 1996, Columbia, South Carolina, USA |
| Age | 28 years |
| College | University of South Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Salary | $200,000 |
| Spouse | Not married |
| Relationship Status | Dating Bam Adebayo |
| Instagram Profile | @aja22wilson |
Early Career
A’ja Wilson’s basketball journey began at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina, where she was a standout from eighth grade. She dominated high school basketball, averaging 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game as a senior, leading her team to a state championship and earning National High School Player of the Year honors. Wilson was the nation’s top recruit in 2014 and chose to play for the University of South Carolina.
Professional Career
Wilson’s impact at South Carolina was immediate and historic. She led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017 and swept all major National Player of the Year awards in 2018. After being selected first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson quickly became one of the league’s most dominant players.
She won WNBA Rookie of the Year, then earned MVP honors in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Wilson led the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, winning Finals MVP in 2023. Internationally, she’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion. Off the court, Wilson is a published author, entrepreneur, and advocate for social justice, dyslexia awareness, and anti-bullying.
A’ja Wilson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, A’ja Wilson’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. This figure includes her WNBA salary, lucrative endorsement deals, business ventures, and investments. Her financial profile is expected to grow rapidly with the release of her Nike signature shoe and the anticipated rise in WNBA salaries.
Prize Money
| Year | Award/Title | Prize Money |
| 2020 | WNBA MVP | $15,450 |
| 2022 | WNBA MVP | $15,450 |
| 2023 | WNBA Finals MVP | $11,356 |
| 2024 | WNBA MVP | $15,450 |
| 2022 | WNBA Champion (Team Share) | $11,356 |
| 2023 | WNBA Champion (Team Share) | $11,356 |
Endorsements
- Nike: Six-year contract extension in 2024, one of the richest shoe deals in women’s basketball; launched her own signature shoe, the Nike A’One, in 2025.
- Gatorade: Multi-year endorsement deal, featured in major ad campaigns.
- Ruffles: First female athlete with a signature chip flavor (“Ruffles Ridge Twists-Smoky BBQ”).
- Mountain Dew: First female basketball player to sign with the brand; collaborated on special edition merchandise.
- Burnt Wax Candle Company: Co-founded luxury candle business with her mother.
- Masters (Fitness App): Investor and trainer, promoting health and wellness.
Career Records
| Category | Record/Notable Opponent |
| Fastest to 5,000 WNBA points | Achieved in 2025 |
| Most points in a WNBA season | 1,021 points (2024) |
| Most 40-point games in WNBA | 4 |
| Most consecutive 20+ point games | 20 |
| Most consecutive 25+ point games | 8 |
| Notable Opponent | Breanna Stewart (NY Liberty) |
| Notable Opponent | Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) |
| Notable Opponent | Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) |
| Notable Opponent | Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun) |
| Olympic Gold Medal Games | vs. Japan (2020), vs. China (2024) |
FAQs
1. Who is A’ja Wilson?
A’ja Wilson is an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. She is a multiple-time league MVP, WNBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the best players in women’s basketball history.
2. What major achievements has A’ja Wilson accomplished in her career?
Wilson has won three WNBA MVP awards (2020, 2022, 2024), two WNBA championships (2022, 2023), was named WNBA Finals MVP (2023), and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She is also the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points.
3. Where did A’ja Wilson play college basketball, and what were her accomplishments there?
She played at the University of South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017 and sweeping all major National Player of the Year awards in 2018. She became the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina women’s basketball history.
4. What is the significance of A’ja Wilson’s signature shoe with Nike?
Wilson launched her first signature shoe, the Nike A’One, in 2025. The shoe was engineered for her playing style and includes personal touches, such as design elements honoring her family and her favorite color, pink.
5. What is A’ja Wilson’s background and early life?
Born August 8, 1996, in Hopkins, South Carolina, Wilson attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. She was named after the Steely Dan song “Aja” and her middle name, Riyadh, honors her aunt’s military service in Saudi Arabia.
6. What businesses and charitable work is A’ja Wilson involved in?
Wilson owns Burnt Wax Candles, a candle-making business, and founded the A’ja Wilson Foundation, which supports children with dyslexia and advocates for women’s rights.
7. What book did A’ja Wilson write, and what is it about?
Her book, “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You,” was released in 2024 and became a New York Times bestseller. It shares her life lessons, personal stories, and encouragement for young Black girls.
8. What are some unique facts about A’ja Wilson?
She started playing basketball at age 11, enjoys board games (especially Uno), and always picks her shoes first when choosing outfits. She is not married and has a close relationship with her family, particularly her grandmother.
9. How did A’ja Wilson make WNBA history in 2025?
On June 26, 2025, Wilson became the fastest player in league history to score 5,000 career points, achieving the milestone in just 238 games.
10. What is A’ja Wilson’s impact off the court?
Beyond her athletic achievements, Wilson is a vocal advocate for women’s sports, equity, and children with dyslexia. She uses her platform to inspire the next generation and promote positive change.