Empowering the Future: A’ja Wilson's Mission to Shatter the WNBA's Glass Ceiling
Discover how A’ja Wilson, a standout WNBA player, goes beyond the court to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of women in basketball. With two MVP titles under her belt, Wilson is sowing the seeds of empowerment for those who come after her, aiming to break barriers and uplift female athletes.
Whether you're a fan of the Las Vegas Aces or not, one thing is for sure - their star player A'ja Wilson always knows how to shine in the spotlight.
At just 27 years old, Wilson has already achieved the impressive title of two-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA champion, and five-time All-Star. Not only is she a standout player in the league, but she is also passionate about helping it continue to thrive and expand its fan base.
"I feel like every season I'm planting seeds, not just for myself and my team, but for the next generation,” she told us exclusively at the TIME100 Gala in New York City on Thursday, April 25. She emphasized the importance of investing in herself and her team to avoid past struggles and improve continuously.
The Aces selected Wilson as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. Since then, the league has seen significant changes, as she mentioned. In 2020, players signed a new collective bargaining agreement that increased salaries and offered more opportunities to earn bonuses.
Player compensation and amenities in the WNBA have seen significant improvements in recent years. This has been accompanied by an expansion in access to chartered flights and increased investments in top-notch facilities by franchises. Consequently, both viewership and attendance numbers have experienced a significant increase.
A'ja Wilson on How the WNBA Will Continue to Break the Glass Ceiling Over Us 2
A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces proudly celebrates with the MVP trophy following their victory over the New York Liberty in Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023 in New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Attendance at WNBA games saw a significant 16 percent increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, with more total fans attending games than in any of the past 13 seasons. Just this month, a record-breaking 2.45 million people tuned in to watch the WNBA Draft, more than triple the previous record.
Wilson believes that with the spotlight on them, it's important to show why people are paying attention. She strives to improve every year to make a statement and showcase their talents.
The WNBA is expected to attract more viewers and fans in the coming years with the rise of star players. Caitlin Clark's impact has already been felt in the league, with ticket prices skyrocketing for games against her team, the Indiana Fever. The excitement is set to grow with players like Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Juju Watkins joining the league.
The WNBA has attracted investment from high-profile owners in recent years. Dwyane Wade joined the Chicago Sky ownership last year, while Alex Rodriguez is a co-owner of the Minnesota Lynx. Sue Bird, a Seattle Storm legend and future Hall of Famer, recently became part of the Storm's ownership group. Additionally, Renee Montgomery is now a part-owner of her former team, the Atlanta Dream.
A'ja Wilson expressed optimism about the future, stating, "We're hopeful that more people will invest in us. There are many eyes on us, with people paying attention. It's time for individuals to show their support by investing in us and demonstrating a desire to be part of the change. This is how we can shatter the glass ceiling that hovers over us."
The WNBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, May 14.
With reporting by Andrew Nodell
Editor's P/S:
The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of star players like A'ja Wilson. Wilson's commitment to excellence on and off the court is inspiring a new generation of fans and attracting investment from high-profile owners. The league's recent collective bargaining agreement has led to increased salaries and improved amenities for players, which is helping to attract top talent and grow the fan base. With the WNBA Draft setting new viewership records and attendance at games on the rise, the future of the league looks bright.
It's important for fans and investors to continue to support the WNBA as it works to break down barriers and achieve its full potential. By investing in the league, we can help ensure that it continues to grow and provide opportunities for women to succeed in basketball.
