The 2025 WNBA season is closing in on its finish, and the MVP race has narrowed to a select few. Most conversations center on Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, and Phoenix Mercury’s do-it-all veteran Alyssa Thomas.
Collier’s case is straightforward: she leads the league in scoring at 23.5 points per game and has guided Minnesota to the top of the standings. Wilson, meanwhile, has powered Las Vegas to a remarkable second-half surge, highlighted by a 12-game win streak, looking once again like the league’s most dominant player. Thomas, while often cast as the outsider, continues to make her own argument with consistent all-around brilliance.
Swoopes Makes Her Choice Clear
For Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes, the choice is simple. Speaking on the September 2 episode of The Women’s Hoops Show podcast, the three-time WNBA MVP explained why she believes Alyssa Thomas deserves the award.
“Phoenix is not in the playoffs without Alyssa Thomas. Not even close,” Swoopes said. “People always say MVP should be tied to team record. I don’t necessarily agree with that. But if it is, then you have to look at what Phoenix has done with Thomas on the court and how much she’s carried them.”
After recognizing the incredible seasons from both Wilson and Collier, Swoopes doubled down: “If what Alyssa Thomas is doing isn’t MVP-caliber, then we need to change what MVP stands for. Most Valuable Player, Most Valuable Performance—she’s nearly averaging a triple-double.”
Giving Thomas Her Due
Swoopes finished her comments by stressing just how much Thomas means to the Mercury. “I could go on all day about Alyssa, but I’ll keep it short. If I had a vote, it would go to her. No question.”
While Thomas may not command the same spotlight as Collier or Wilson, her impact has been impossible to ignore. Having a legend like Swoopes publicly back her case might help shift the conversation as the league prepares to crown its most valuable player.
