A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards as Jalen Brunson Dominates the 2026 ESPYs
The A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards story became one of the biggest highlights of the 2026 ESPY Awards, as the Las Vegas Aces superstar received two of the night’s most prestigious honors. Wilson won Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete, Women’s Sports, further strengthening her reputation as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball.
The annual awards ceremony, produced by ESPN, also celebrated NBA star Jalen Brunson, who enjoyed an unforgettable evening by taking home three individual awards while helping the New York Knicks secure Best Team honors.
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A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards After Another Incredible Season
The A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards headline reflects another remarkable milestone in the career of the Las Vegas Aces superstar.
Wilson was named:
- 🏆 Best WNBA Player
- 🏆 Best Athlete, Women’s Sports
The awards recognize her outstanding performances over the past year and reinforce her status as one of the most dominant players in professional basketball.
Her leadership, consistency, and impact on both ends of the floor have made her one of the biggest names in the WNBA.
For official WNBA player information, visit the Official WNBA Website.
Jalen Brunson Enjoys a Historic ESPY Night
While A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards dominated women’s basketball headlines, Jalen Brunson also made history during the ceremony.
The New York Knicks guard won:
- Best Athlete, Men’s Sports
- Best Championship Performance
- Best NBA Player
The Knicks were also recognized as Best Team, making it one of the franchise’s most successful nights at the ESPYs.
During his acceptance speech, Brunson thanked his family, teammates, and the entire Knicks organization for supporting his journey.
“Thank you to my family for sacrificing everything day in and day out. Thank you to the entire Knicks organization and my teammates. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
Basketball Dominates the 2026 ESPYs
The 2026 ESPY Awards showcased another memorable year for basketball.
With both A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards and Jalen Brunson collecting multiple trophies, basketball players were among the biggest winners of the evening.
Their achievements reflected successful seasons at both the professional and team levels while highlighting the continued popularity of basketball across the United States.
Other Major Winners
Several other athletes also received recognition during the ceremony.
Alysa Liu
Figure skater Alysa Liu earned the Best Breakthrough Athlete award after an inspiring comeback.
Accepting the honor, Liu reflected on returning to the sport after taking two years away.
Lionel Messi
Football legend Lionel Messi won Best Soccer Player but was unable to attend the ceremony.
The ESPYs Return to New York
The 2026 ESPY Awards marked the event’s return to New York City after more than 25 years in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
The ceremony was hosted by Marcello Hernandez, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live.
Often described as the sports world’s equivalent of the Oscars or Grammy Awards, the ESPYs celebrate outstanding achievements across professional and amateur sports each year.
More information about the event is available on the Official ESPY Awards website.
Final Thoughts
The A’ja Wilson Wins ESPY Awards story perfectly captured another historic chapter in the WNBA star’s career.
Winning Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete, Women’s Sports reflects her continued excellence, leadership, and influence on women’s basketball. Alongside Jalen Brunson’s remarkable night, the 2026 ESPYs celebrated some of the biggest names in sports and highlighted an unforgettable year of athletic achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards did A’ja Wilson win at the 2026 ESPYs?
A’ja Wilson won Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete, Women’s Sports.
Which college did A’ja Wilson attend?
She played college basketball at the University of South Carolina, where she helped the Gamecocks win their first NCAA women’s basketball championship.
How tall is A’ja Wilson?
A’ja Wilson is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall.
Who is A’ja Wilson’s boyfriend?
Public reports have linked A’ja Wilson with NBA player Bam Adebayo, though she keeps much of her personal life private.
What is A’ja Wilson’s contract?
A’ja Wilson is under contract with the Las Vegas Aces under the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
Who won Best NBA Player at the 2026 ESPYs?
Jalen Brunson won the Best NBA Player award.
Who won Best Breakthrough Athlete?
Figure skater Alysa Liu won Best Breakthrough Athlete.
Who won Best Soccer Player?
Lionel Messi received the Best Soccer Player award.