A’ja Wilson, the South Carolina women’s basketball star and three-time WNBA MVP, has secured two nominations at this year’s ESPY awards. Following a record-setting 2024 WNBA campaign, Wilson was recognized as a nominee for both Best Athlete – Women’s Sports and Best WNBA Player.
The prestigious ESPN awards ceremony, scheduled for July 16th in Los Angeles, will spotlight Wilson among elite athletes, allowing fans to vote for her in both categories. This recognition comes after Wilson’s standout season, showcasing her as the leading candidate for top honors.
Wilson’s Record-Breaking 2024 Season Statistics and Achievements
Throughout the 2024 season, Wilson delivered historic performances across multiple statistical categories. She averaged 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, shooting an efficient 52% from the field and 84% from the free throw line. As the sole player to surpass both 1000 points and 450 rebounds in a single season, she set WNBA records for total points (1021), total rebounds (451), points per game (26.9), and single-game points (53).
Wilson led the league in scoring, rebounds, and blocks, while ranking in the top five for steals. Additionally, she was one of only four players averaging at least 20 points and two assists per game, and uniquely the only one to average over 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals. Her dominance on both offense and defense solidified her status as the WNBA’s top player.
Beyond individual stats, Wilson’s leadership earned her the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her impact off the court, recognizing her community contributions.
Olympic Success Adds to Wilson’s Impressive 2024 Résumé
Wilson’s outstanding year extended to international competition as she competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics with Team USA in Paris. Her performance helped the Americans claim another gold medal, and Wilson was honored as both the Olympic Starting Five selection and the Olympic MVP for her stellar play on the global stage.
Overview of the 2025 ESPY Awards and Broadcast Details
The ESPYs will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 16th, commencing at 8:00 p.m. ABC will televise the event, while ESPN+ and the ESPN app will provide streaming access. Comedian Shane Gillis is set to host the ceremony, celebrating the achievements of top athletes across sports.
This event marks a continuation of South Carolina women’s basketball’s strong ESPY presence. In the previous year, Wilson secured wins for both Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete – Women’s Sports, while the team earned Best Team honors for its undefeated National Championship season. Head coach Dawn Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, recognized for her efforts supporting cancer research and aiding children battling cancer.
Significance of Wilson’s Nominations for Women’s Sports and the WNBA
Wilson’s dual nominations highlight her rising influence in professional women’s basketball and her broader role as a leading athlete in women’s sports. Her record-breaking achievements and Olympic success position her for another potential ESPY win, sustaining her profile as a trailblazer in the league and an inspirational figure for aspiring players.
The nominations also reinforce the increasing visibility and recognition of the WNBA on the national sports stage, potentially boosting interest and fan engagement. As voting opens for fans, Wilson’s exceptional 2024 season remains at the forefront of this year’s award conversations.