Calls Mount Against A’ja Wilson as the WNBA Community Outraged Over Major Unfairness

A’ja Wilson has accomplished it all, both on and off the court. The reigning MVP is set to release her own signature shoe with Nike in May, and she boasts one of the largest endorsement deals in women’s sports. Her on-court success speaks for itself—she’s undeniably one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, and there’s no debate about that.

Recently, TIME magazine honored her by featuring her on the cover of their “Woman of the Year” issue. She shared the front page with Olympic gymnast and close friend Jordan Chiles, alongside twelve other women who are working toward greater equity in sports.

In her interview, Wilson spoke about her loyalty to the Aces and her desire to finish her career in Las Vegas. She also addressed the challenges she has faced as a Black woman and athlete, stressing the importance of mental health in sports and the need to build a strong support system.

This recognition came shortly after Caitlin Clark was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, a decision that received significant backlash. Notably, Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson questioned why the magazine chose to highlight a single player rather than feature the entire league. “This year, something clicked with the WNBA and it’s because of the draft of players that came in. It’s not just Caitlin Clark, it’s Reese. We have so much talent out there.”

In contrast, the response to A’ja Wilson’s recognition was met with far less criticism from peers and owners. However, fans still had plenty to say about the MVP’s award.

Fans call A’ja Wilson’s inclusion ‘unfair’

As expected, the internet went wild over this feature. Users on X.com were as ruthless as always in calling out the reigning MVP.

A user on X could not justify awarding Wilson the honor. They asked in a tweet whether someone could explain what A’ja Wilson had done to receive Woman of the Year from Time Magazine. “This could’ve gone to a doctor, or world leader, or philanthropist, and it’s instead going to a basketball player that didn’t even win a championship?” The tweet said.

A couple of users referenced the insane comments of Sheila Johnson about Caitlin Clark’s star power. “I think it’s unfair that A’ja Wilson is on the cover of Time magazine and not the entire WNBA” One twitter user said, while another chimed in with a harsher take. “A’ja doesn’t deserve to be on the Time Cover. The whole WNBA should be here!!! This is disgusting.”

Another user referenced the Mystics owners’ words, but directed at Chiles rather than just Wilson. “What about all the other women on the Olympic team? Why not put the whole team on the cover? Why single out one person?” 

One particular user got a little personal with his reaction to the award.

“Who is A’ja Wilson ? MVP of what sport?” They asked, discrediting her accomplishments heavily.

Regardless of the public reaction, however, no one can deny that A’ja Wilson has earned her place on that cover. She had a legendary, unanimous MVP season last year, and has accomplished a lot including  multiple championships. Haters will hate, but Wilson’s resume speaks for itself.