A’ja Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP and one of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball, has publicly voiced her frustration after Caitlin Clark was officially named the best player of 2025 by a prominent sports media outlet, a decision that has sparked one of the most heated debates in recent WNBA history.

Known for her fierce competitiveness and unfiltered honesty, Wilson did not hold back in a recent postgame interview, calling the decision “premature” and questioning whether Clark, despite her historic season, deserves to be placed above veterans who have carried the league for years.

The controversy erupted after Sports Illustrated released its annual “Top 10 Players in Women’s Basketball” list, placing Clark at No. 1 for the first time in her young career.

The decision, which came after Clark led the WNBA in scoring and assists while breaking multiple rookie and single-season records, was celebrated by many fans and analysts who see her as the face of the league’s new era.

However, it also drew sharp criticism from others who believe that Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ superstar center and two-time WNBA MVP, remains the most impactful and consistent player in the game.

Wilson, who has led the Aces to multiple playoff appearances and a championship in 2022, was ranked second on the list behind Clark. During a postgame press conference following a dominant 35-point, 12-rebound performance, Wilson was asked about the ranking and responded with an emotional and pointed critique.

“I’ve been here. I’ve done it. I’ve carried this league on my back when nobody was watching,” Wilson said. “I’ve played through injuries, through adversity, through everything.

And now, after another incredible season, I’m supposed to believe that a rookie—one who’s had the spotlight from day one—is suddenly the best in the game? That’s not respect. That’s a media decision.”

She continued, “Caitlin is good. Don’t get me wrong. She’s electrifying. She’s bringing eyes to the WNBA that we’ve never had before. But being the best? That’s not just about stats or highlights. That’s about consistency.

That’s about lifting your team night in and night out. That’s about winning championships. And until she does that, I don’t see how you can put her above people like me, like Breanna Stewart, like Diana Taurasi.”

Wilson’s comments quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media, sports shows, and locker rooms across the WNBA. Fans were split—some praised Wilson for speaking the truth and defending the legacy of veteran players, while others argued that Clark’s impact on the game, both statistically and culturally, warranted the recognition.

Clark, for her part, has not publicly responded to Wilson’s remarks, but sources close to her indicate that she is focused on the game and not getting distracted by outside noise.

In a recent interview, Fever head coach Stephanie White addressed the controversy, saying, “Caitlin is aware of the conversation, but she respects A’ja deeply. This isn’t about rankings—it’s about growth. She knows she still has a lot to prove, and she’s ready to do it on the court.”

Clark’s season has been nothing short of historic. In her second year in the league, she shattered the WNBA’s single-season scoring record, averaged over 24 points and 10 assists per game, and led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff berth in nearly a decade.

Her ability to draw crowds, drive media engagement, and elevate the play of her teammates has made her a generational talent in the eyes of many analysts.

However, Wilson’s argument centers on the idea that individual accolades and fanfare do not necessarily equate to being the best overall player. “This isn’t about popularity,” she said. “It’s about performance over time. It’s about leadership. It’s about winning. And until Caitlin has that on her resume, I’m not going to pretend like she’s already there.”

The debate has also reignited the ongoing conversation about how the WNBA evaluates its stars. Some analysts have pointed out that Clark’s rise has coincided with a shift in how the game is played and perceived, with a greater emphasis on perimeter scoring, playmaking, and entertainment value.

Others have countered that traditional dominance in the post and defensive presence—areas where Wilson excels—should still carry significant weight in determining the best player in the league.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, speaking at a recent media event, declined to weigh in directly on the rankings but acknowledged the broader implications of the growing attention on the league’s stars.

“We’re seeing a new generation of players emerge, and that’s a great thing for the WNBA,” Engelbert said. “At the same time, we must continue to honor the veterans who have built this league into what it is today.”

Behind the scenes, league insiders say that the tension between veteran and younger players has been simmering for months, particularly as Clark’s influence has grown both on and off the court.

While many veterans have embraced the shift and praised Clark for her contributions, others—like Wilson—have expressed frustration over what they see as an overcorrection in media coverage and fan support.

Former WNBA stars like Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings have weighed in on the debate, with Bird taking a more neutral stance. “This is what happens when a sport grows,” Bird said on her podcast. “You get generational shifts. You get debates like this. It’s not about who’s right or wrong—it’s about recognizing that both players are incredible in their own ways.”

Catchings, meanwhile, praised both players but emphasized the importance of context. “A’ja has earned everything she’s gotten through years of work,” Catchings said. “Caitlin is rewriting the record books in real time. They’re both great. But the question of ‘best’ depends on what you value most in a player.”

As the WNBA season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on how this rivalry plays out—not just in the media, but on the court. With both players leading their teams deep into the playoffs, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown that could determine once and for all who truly deserves the title of the best in the game.

For now, A’ja Wilson has made her position clear: she’s not ready to hand over the crown. And Caitlin Clark, ever the competitor, is ready to prove she belongs at the top.

The debate may never be settled—but one thing is certain: the WNBA has never been more exciting.