The Internet Is Celebrating A’ja Wilson’s ‘TIME’ 2025 Athlete of the Year Win

The three-time WNBA champion and four-time league MVP scored the honor on Dec. 9.

A’ja Wilson / Kate Frese/NBAE/Getty Images

In October, A’ja Wilson wrapped up her eighth WNBA season with a fourth MVP title, third championship, second Finals MVP recognition and first Co-Defensive Player of the Year nod (to add to a duo of Defensive Player of the Year titles on her resume already).

And, while it has been nearly two months since the Game 4 matchup that secured Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces their latest title, the South Carolina native is still finding a way to win. Today, Dec. 9, the center was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year.

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“She’s the first player, in WNBA or NBA history, to win a championship and be named Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season,” the publication wrote to Instagram with an image of Wilson on the front page of the issue, holding a basketball in-hand. “And she’s one of just four players in either league to win four MVP trophies before the age of 30, the others being Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James.”

And yet, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. She made more history in her latest finals series alone, and continues to put the league on notice that the Aces are a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future. With her latest honor, fellow athletes, brands and fans of the 29-year-old gave Wilson her flowers. Check out some of the numerous notes that we’ve spotted so far.

Athletes beam

A’ja Wilson / Stephen Gosling/NBAE/Getty Images

“Cheers to Time’s Athlete of the Year, @aja22wilson!” Billie Jean King penned to her Instagram story, sharing Wilson’s cover image.

Retired WNBA player Chantel Tremitiere posted the same frame to her own story, scribing, “Have yourself a year Miss Wilson.” The baller added, “So proud of you!”

Olympic gold medalist alpine skier Lindsey Vonn took to the comments of TIME’s post, stating, “🔥🔥🔥”

Brands bring the support

A’ja Wilson / Ian Maule/Getty Images

“A’ja the all-timer 👑,” AT&T scribed. Wilson has been linked to the company for years, with campaigns dating back to 2023. She teamed up with the brand more recently in September.

Media company Uninterrupted—founded by the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James, alongside Maverick Carter, also added, “Well deserved! 👏🏾”

“congrats 👏👏 loving this!” The official brand account for Barbie chimed in.

A fan frenzy

A’ja Wilson / David Becker/NBAE/Getty Images

“If not her then who??? Let’s go GOAT 🔥🔥🔥🔥,” one fan penned.

“Who else!!!! She’s had a historic yearrrrr, MY GOAT!! Hands downnnn 👑👑,” another commenter agreed.

“Congratulations,” another user wrote, tagging Wilson. “& STILL the best is yet to come!”

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