The Las Vegas Aces announced that superstar A’ja Wilson is the cover model for Vanity Fair’s first-ever Global Sports Issue, adding another major achievement to the decorated career of the four-time WNBA MVP.
“The M’VP on the cover of Vanity Fair’s first-ever Global Sports Issue ✨ Congratulations, A’ja Wilson!” the team shared the news on Instagram.
Wilson appears on the cover for the feature titled “A’ja Wilson Takes Flight,” with photography by Campbell Addy. The feature arrives as Wilson begins another WNBA season while chasing a fifth MVP award and leading the Aces in their latest championship defense.
In the Vanity Fair interview, Wilson made her mindset clear.
“I want to prove that I’m the best,” she said. “That allows me to have a great trophy case. It allows me to get rings. And it allows me to just play with peace.”
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The feature also explored Wilson’s goals away from basketball, including her interest in Hollywood, marriage and family life.
Wilson’s appearance on the cover comes after another historic season with the Aces. The 29-year-old became the first player in WNBA history to win four MVP awards.
Her résumé already includes three WNBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, three Defensive Player of the Year honors, seven All-Star selections, Olympic gold medals with Team USA and multiple All-WNBA First Team honors.
Before becoming a WNBA superstar, Wilson built her name at South Carolina Gamecocks under coach Dawn Staley. She became a national champion, national player of the year, and the school’s all-time leading scorer before being selected first overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft.
Wilson’s dominance has continued into the 2026 season. She recently became the 12th player in league history to record at least 5,500 career points and 2,500 rebounds.
The Vanity Fair cover also reflects Wilson’s growing power outside basketball. Over the last several years, she has become one of the biggest stars in women’s sports through endorsement deals, business ventures and media appearances.
Wilson’s partnerships include major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, Ruffles, Mountain Dew and AT&T. Her Nike partnership expanded with the launch of her signature A’One shoe collection in 2025.
Wilson has also expanded into business with her Burnt Wax Candle Company and strengthened her media profile through commercials, interviews and her book Dear Black Girls.
The Global Sports Issue places Wilson alongside some of the biggest names in international sports, including Carlos Alcaraz and Kylian Mbappé, showing how far her reach now extends beyond the WNBA.
As the season continues, Wilson’s latest Vanity Fair cover adds another milestone to a career already filled with historic achievements.
Related: TIME Announces 2026 Women of the Year: See Who Made the List
