Credit : Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty; Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty
A’ja Wilson became the first WNBA player to win three consecutive MVP awards
The couple publicly confirmed their relationship during NBA All-Star Weekend in 2025
Wilson will skip a pregame trophy ceremony to focus on the Aces’ semifinal game
Bam Adebayo is A’ja Wilson‘s biggest fan.
The Miami Heat star, 29, was told in advance that his Las Vegas Aces girlfriend, 30, had won the Most Valuable Player award for the 2026 WNBA season and had to keep the exciting news secret before it was announced on Thursday, Oct. 8.
According to the Associated Press, Adebayo was asked to record some thoughts about his longtime girlfriend winning the award again, becoming the first player in league history to win three straight MVPs. Having this insight also meant he couldn’t give her any hints about the voting results.
: Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries plays defense on A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Game Two of the 2026 WNBA Semi-Finals game
A’ja Wilson (22) in action for the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.
“It’s good to celebrate somebody that honestly deserves it,” Adebayo said after he and the Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 128-118, in a preseason game on Thursday night. “You really can’t put five MVPs into words. You literally just have to sit there and just like admire greatness.”
He added, “So, yeah, can’t wait to get home, get on FaceTime and talk about the moment.”
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The Miami Heat center and Las Vegas Aces star made their romance public during NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2025 after keeping it a secret for several years. Since then, they’ve made several appearances together and have been seen supporting each other at games, in press conferences and in interviews.
Wilson opened up about the honor after winning a record fifth WNBA MVP award.
Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans
Bam Adebayo (13) during a Miami Heat preseason game on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
“This one here is just a little bit different,” Wilson said Thursday afternoon, moments after commissioner Cathy Engelbert handed her a phone with a message from former Vice President Kamala Harris sharing the happy news.
“As a girl, you dream so big, and you write your goals out, and you just never imagine that you will be able to check them off,” she continued. “That’s why I cried harder on this one because 15-year-old A’ja wasn’t sitting up here dreaming about being a five-time MVP.”
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“She wasn’t dreaming about being a three-time champion,” Wilson said, adding, “She was dreaming about surviving this world. So for me to sit up here surrounded by these trophies... it means a little bit more to me.”
Wilson received 65 out of the 74 first-place votes and nine second-place votes.
A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces talks with boyfriend Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat prior to the WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star weekend at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 18, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo in July 2025.
The Aces will honor Wilson’s achievement with a pregame ceremony on Friday, Oct. 9, when the team will continue its season at home against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of their semifinal playoff series.
The MVP is typically honored in a pregame ceremony where they receive the trophy in front of fans. However, with the Aces down 2-0 in the best-of-five series, Wilson made it clear she won’t be participating in the pregame festivities.
“I love the fans, but I will not be doing that... I will be warming up with my team,” she said, per ESPN. “Everyone in this room knows how much of a competitor I am [and] what my main focus is.”
The Aces finished the 2026 regular season at 31-13, placing third in the Western Conference.