Aces star A’ja Wilson on NBA expansion: ‘Don’t steal our shine’

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson said she would welcome an NBA expansion team to Southern Nevada, but she warned the league not to diminish the franchise’s accomplishments. “I just don’t want them to steal our shine,” Wilson told the Review‑Journal with a laugh. “Because we got some bully radiance here. We brought a batch of shiny things here.” She added, “So, whatever they (NBA) do, I hope they’re good. Obviously, that’ll be our member team, so we’ll support them, but don’t steal our shine, ‘cause we built this shine.” Wilson, a four‑time WNBA MVP, noted that she has no opinion on where a potential Las Vegas NBA team should play or what it should be called, but she wants everyone to remember whose city this is. Regarding the Aces’ recent success, Wilson pointed to the team’s three WNBA titles in four seasons, including back‑to‑back championships in 2022 and 2023 and the trophy from the previous season. The Aces are currently pursuing another back‑to‑back run, though a recent loss to the Atlanta Dream dropped them to fourth in the standings with the playoffs approaching. “I think some of the toughest part is just getting out of our own way,” Wilson said. “Sometimes I feel like we’re in our own way of games and possessions, where if we just step back and really see what we have, the greatness that we have, the chips will fall where they may.” She cited advice from former NFL star Tom Brady, who is also an Aces owner: “But Tom Brady would always say that you’re never focused on your different championships, you’re focused on the next one. And it doesn’t matter when that may be. Of course, we would love to go back‑to‑back, but you’re constantly focusing on the next one. And I think that’s what we’re doing, is just focusing on the next one.” On the dynasty conversation, Wilson said, “What we’re looking at, we did 3 and 4 years,” she said. “I think that is, we’re on the brinks of the dynasty. I think if we get 1 (this year), it’s gonna just capitalize the D. I think we are there.” She continued, “I think if you look at us and what we’ve done in a short span of time under (coach Becky Hammon), I think it’s phenomenal. … I think she helped change obviously our league. So yeah, I think we are a dynasty and I’m blessed to be a part of it.” Off the court, Wilson has been expanding her brand. She referenced her signature Nike shoe, her appearance as the cover athlete for NBA 2K, a multiyear Gatorade partnership, and various commercial shoots. “It’s all a part of the brand,” she said. “I have an amazing team behind me that makes sure that I’m with people and with companies that align with me and I think the best thing about Booking.com and the commercials that I have been doing with them, it gets me out of my comfort zone.” She added, “It’s pretty chill to kind of see the ideas that they bring to make it truly come to life. So it’s been so much fun. We just kind of go with it. I think that’s the beautiful thing about it, it may be scripted, but from within, it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, just be you,’ and I love those things.” When asked about a possible acting career, Wilson replied, “I wouldn’t mind being an actress, but I feel like I would have to play myself,” Wilson said. “I don’t think I’m good at playing anybody else. But I would love to see anyone play me in a movie. But in front of the camera, I would have to do like me kind of like cameo being myself a little bit.” Regarding balancing her on‑court duties with off‑court commitments, Wilson said, “You have to learn how to compartmentalize a lot of different things in your life, and I’m appreciative that I have sponsors and companies that are kind of like, ‘No, we understand that she has to do the work on the court or else we wouldn’t want her off the court.’” She concluded, “So, if I can continue to be in that space and then kind of flip the page and have some fun here, I think that’s what I’ve always loved about the versatility of my life that I live. And it’s long days. It’s really, really long days. And some days I’m just like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just want to be in bed.’ But at the same time, this is something that I prayed for and asked for, so why not go out there and give it my all?”