: ’ 10 10 , legacy as one of the most transformative figures in modern sports. In an era where the intersection of athletic excellence, cultural leadership, and advocacy matters more than ever, A’ja Wilson stands at the forefront, wielding not just a basketball, but a voice, a platform, and a purpose. TIME’s recognition is more than a nod to her impressive statistics or her decorated résumé—it is a resounding affirmation of her broader impact, her unshakable character, and the revolutionary space she occupies within the evolving world of professional sports.
A’ja Wilson’s rise to prominence began in Hopkins, South Carolina, where she first honed her game with a rare mix of size, skill, and grace. As a young girl, she dreamed big. But what set her apart wasn’t just her 6’4″ frame or her on-court dominance—it was her unmatched drive, relentless consistency, and the poise with which she carried herself. From leading the University of South Carolina to a national championship under coach Dawn Staley to becoming the WNBA’s MVP, Wilson has followed a trajectory that has defied gravity and expectations. Her accolades are astounding: multiple-time All-Star, two-time WNBA MVP, WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and now, one of TIME’s 10 Most Influential People in Sports. But what is perhaps most remarkable is that Wilson’s influence stretches far beyond the hardwood.
Throughout her career, A’ja has remained grounded and deeply connected to her roots. Whether it’s through her philanthropic work with the A’ja Wilson Foundation, which focuses on dyslexia awareness and education, or her advocacy for mental health and racial equity, Wilson has shown an unwavering commitment to lifting others as she rises. She has spoken publicly and powerfully about her own experiences with dyslexia, transforming a personal challenge into a platform for empowerment. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equity in sports, using her status to push for better conditions and compensation for women athletes. And she has not shied away from difficult conversations around race, identity, and representation in professional sports.
Her presence on the Las Vegas Aces has been nothing short of iconic. As the face of a franchise that has redefined excellence in the WNBA, Wilson has consistently elevated her team to championship contention while modeling what true leadership looks like. Her ability to command respect in the locker room, galvanize teammates, and deliver under pressure is second to none. Whether it’s a game-winning block, a clutch mid-range jumper, or a huddle where she refocuses the team, Wilson brings a gravity and calm that is rare and refreshing in today’s hyper-scrutinized sports world. Her style of play is unselfish yet assertive, artistic yet fundamentally sound—basketball purists and casual fans alike recognize they are watching a generational talent in her prime.
TIME Magazine’s inclusion of Wilson in its elite list underscores not just what she does but how she does it. In an age where athletes are increasingly expected to be more than entertainers, Wilson embodies the ideal blend of excellence and activism. She is authentic in her message, measured in her actions, and powerful in her reach. Her voice carries weight not because it is loud, but because it is honest, reflective, and rooted in purpose. In media appearances, interviews, and social media, she exudes an effortless charisma that draws people in while never compromising her values. She has inspired a new wave of young Black girls not only to play basketball but to do so fearlessly, with pride, intelligence, and ambition.
The impact of Wilson’s recognition by TIME reverberates well beyond the confines of sports. It speaks to a shifting landscape where women—particularly Black women—are being recognized not just for their talent but for their leadership. Her recognition sends a message to every sports league, sponsor, and institution that influence isn’t measured only in trophies and television ratings, but in the ability to create cultural momentum, shape narratives, and spark change. Wilson’s ability to maintain her dominance while expanding her impact is a blueprint for the future of sports figures in a global, socially conscious era.
A key figure in the growing popularity and visibility of the WNBA, Wilson has been instrumental in the league’s branding and growth strategy. Her marketability is undeniable, but what makes her truly irreplaceable is the trust she commands from fans, media, and her peers. She is not a manufactured product of corporate America. Rather, she is someone who carved her own path through grit, grace, and authenticity. Her decision-making off the court—whether it’s the causes she backs, the messages she promotes, or the partnerships she engages in—reflects a thoughtful, strategic mind that understands influence is a responsibility, not just a privilege.
The support from fellow athletes and coaches following the TIME announcement was instantaneous and overwhelming. Tributes poured in from across the sports world, from fellow WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu to NBA champions and Olympic teammates. Dawn Staley, Wilson’s college coach and a trailblazer in her own right, called her former player “a symbol of everything right in the game.” LeBron James posted his congratulations on social media, calling Wilson “a force—on the court, in our culture, and in the hearts of people everywhere.” Even Billie Jean King, a pioneer in women’s sports activism, praised Wilson for “redefining what it means to lead, to win, and to inspire.”
The recognition also comes at a pivotal moment in Wilson’s career. At just 28 years old, she’s entering the prime of her playing days with more to accomplish and more records to break. But the significance of her influence now being immortalized by a global publication like TIME hints at her inevitable transcendence into the broader world of culture and leadership. She’s no longer just a star athlete—she’s a role model, a thought leader, and an institution in herself. As she continues to compete at the highest level, all signs suggest she’s only just getting started in reshaping what success looks like in and beyond professional sports.
In a year that has seen increased attention on women’s sports—from record-breaking WNBA attendance to landmark broadcasting deals—Wilson’s influence is both a cause and a reflection of this momentum. Her presence brings legitimacy to a movement that has fought long and hard for equity, recognition, and respect. When girls wear A’ja Wilson jerseys, they aren’t just supporting a basketball player; they’re aligning themselves with a vision of excellence, empowerment, and evolution.
The state of South Carolina, where it all began, is basking in collective pride. From Hopkins to Columbia, celebrations and tributes have lit up social media and local communities. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an official proclamation honoring Wilson for “representing the Palmetto State with extraordinary grace, athleticism, and leadership.” Billboards across the state now carry her image, not as a local celebrity, but as a national symbol of possibility. Her former high school, Heathwood Hall, plans to honor her with a permanent monument, and the University of South Carolina will reportedly launch a scholarship in her name focused on supporting young women of color in leadership and education.
In an industry often criticized for its failure to adequately recognize female athletes, especially Black women, A’ja Wilson’s rise is both a beacon and a challenge to the status quo. Her inclusion among TIME’s 10 Most Influential People in Sports is a rallying cry—a testament to what happens when talent meets tenacity, and when a platform is used with vision and integrity. It is a celebration, yes, but also a reminder that we are witnessing history in real-time, and that history, more often than not, is written by those brave enough to be themselves while daring to lead.
