​Most MVPs by sport: How A’ja Wilson’s fifth win would compare to GOATs, male or female originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.A’ja Wilson’s trophy cabinet is expected to grow that much more glint in the coming few days.The Aces supernova is expected to be crowned league MVP for a record-fifth time.Her place at the top hasn’t been without competition. Olivia Miles drew some MVP buzz after leading the Lynx to the top of the standings. Fever standouts Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark also drew interest, although they would have to settle for down-ballot votes.In the end, it looks like it will go to Wilson. There’s a case to be made that the honor was always going to land in her lap. After all, she led the league in scoring and blocks. She also surged to the top of the charts in terms of advanced analytics like win shares, VPM and win probability added.All that is likely to amount to a momentous MVP win, one which will have her dancing with sporting icons of the past.Here’s what you need to know.MORE: Full history of 8 seeds to beat a 1 seed in WNBA historyHow many MVPs does A’ja Wilson have?Wilson’s is slated to pick up her fifth MVP in 2026, by far the most in league history. She now has two more MVPs than any of her peers, past or present.The numbers that surround Wilson’s MVP-winning campaigns are eye-catching. She’s a three-time scoring champion, with each of her titles coming in years she took home MVP.Her defense has also shone during her MVP seasons. Wilson has three Defensive Player of the Year awards to her name. All three came en route to her winning the MVP. Prior to 2026, Wilson only picked up one of the two honors in one season: 2024, when she posted career-high totals in assists and broke the record for the highest-ever scoring average across a full season.All of that is to say, Wilson is undoubtedly deserving of her accolades. Given her two-way prowess and the Aces’ penchant for winning, it seems unlikely that she will give up her throne as the league’s best player any time soon.MORE: Tracking all of the 2026 WNBA award winnersMost MVPs by male or female athleteAnother MVP triumph will push Wilson into elite company among North American athletes with her latest MVP coup. Assuming she takes home the prize, she’ll be one of the precious few to collect five or more in her glittering career, joining other titans known for their prowess on their respective playing surfaces.She has some way to go to move to the top of the charts —Wayne Gretzky holds the title of North American athlete with the most MVPs, claiming nine Hart Trophies across his 20-year NHL career.Wilson will likely struggle to match Gretzky’s longevity — Diana Taurasi is the only WNBA player to amass 20 or more seasons of service time. Still, she could very well make a charge for the crown — she has five MVPs in nine seasons, four of which have come in the last five years.RankPlayerSpor