A’ja Wilson Biography – Las Vegas Aces Power Forward

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A'ja Wilson Bio

A'ja Wilson is a professional basketball player. Image Source: A'ja Wilson's Instagram.

A’ja Wilson is a renowned basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women’s National Basketball Association(WNBA). She has competed in major competitions and won several titles. Furthermore, the athlete was also the 2020 U.S Olympic team member that compiled a 6-0 record en route to claiming the gold medal in Tokyo.

Wilson’s basketball journey and her hardship are truly inspiring. Hence, in this biography, let’s learn about A’ja’s family, earnings, career, and love life.

A’ja Wilson’s Father Played Basketball Professionally

The professional basketball player was born A’ja Riyadh Wilson on August 8, 1996, in Hopkins, South Carolina, to Roscoe C. Wilson Jr. and Eva Rakes Wilson. She was named after her dad’s favorite song Aja by Steely Dan. Moreover, A’ja’s grandparents were missionaries who also actively participated in the civil rights movement.

A’ja Wilson’s father, Roscoe Jr., was a basketball player himself and played professionally for ten years. He was also the first coach of his daughter and trained her from a young age. Furthemore, the WNBA star initially thought her dad was torturing her. But, she later realized his training’s importance after seeing her game change.

A'ja Wilson Parents
A’ja Wilson’s dad was her first basketball coach. Image Source: A’ja Wilson’s Instagram.

Wilson also shares a beautiful bond with her brother, Renaldo Wilson, who was also a basketball player. The latter also played professionally overseas.

The young girl went to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Southern Columbia, where she was one of the few black students. She graduated from school in 2014 and continued her education at the University of South Carolina. In addition, she majored in mass communications at college.

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A’ja Wilson Net Worth and Career

The athlete was just eleven when she started playing basketball. She has since come a long way, competing in her academic years to turning a professional. Hence,  A’ja Wilson’s net worth is primarily influenced by her career as a professional basketball player.

Wilson played 119 games in her high school and thirty-seven in her freshman year at University. The same year, she also won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year. Aside from that, the basketball player led Gamecocks to SEC regular season and Tournament Championship. Later in 2017, she led the college to win its first National Championship with a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the finals. She was also named the Most Outstanding Player in the event.

The USC graduate was selected by the Las Vegas Aces at the 2018 WNBA Draft. She has since played for the team in numerous competitions. Furthermore, A’ja’s notable accomplishments include being named All-WNBA First Team, All-WNBA Second Team, WNBA All-Defensive Second Team, etc.

Aside from that, the South Carolina native has represented the US Team in many championships. For instance, she was one of the members who led the American team to win the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Likewise, her contribution to winning the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is also nothing new.

Since joining WNBA, Wilson’s earnings have grown significantly. She first signed a four-year-long contract with Acers worth $232,178 in 2018. Afterward, she signed a two-year contract extension worth $398,422 for the 2022 season. Now, let’s take a look at A’ja Wilson’s earnings below:

Years Earnings
2022-2023 $196,267
2023-2024 $202,155
2018-2021 $58.045

Table Source: Spotrac

Apart from her salary, the Acers power forward earns from her endorsement deals. She has promoted brands like Nike, Mountain Dew, etc. In addition, she is the founder of Burnt Wax Candle Company which must have helped her collect a significant amount.

Thus, A’ja Wilson’s net worth must be a considerable sum from her basketball career and brand endorsements. Candice Dupree is another WNBA player with immense earnings.

A’ja Wilson Is Dating A Basketball Player

The power forward is currently dating Josh Cunningham. Just like her, Cunningham is also a basketball player who plays for Southland Sharks. Plus, the two have been dating for a long time now. The duo attended the same high school but didn’t start a relationship then.

A’ja Wilson’s boyfriend, Josh, has played for Leiden, Westchester Knicks, Dayton Flyers, etc. He also has a YouTube channel which he opened with his friend Jermaine D Morgan.

The lovebirds only began dating a few years later. Still, both appear to value their privacy and keep a low profile. Despite this, the couple frequently brags about each other in interviews. So, let’s hope they will feel comfortable enough in public to talk more about their love life in the upcoming days.

Wilson has pursued her love for basketball from a young age and has continued improving each year. Her determination and drive to better her gameplay are marvelous. So, let’s wish her more success in the WNBA in the future.