Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo recently opened up about the unexpected moment he found himself presenting Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson with the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player award, a ceremony that marked a historic milestone in Wilson’s career.
Wilson was officially named the 2025 WNBA MVP on Sep. 21, 2025, earning a record fourth MVP award and her second consecutive honor, making her the first player in league history to achieve the feat.
Bam Adebayo Reveals How It Felt Presenting the MVP Trophy to A’Ja Wilson
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was on hand at the Aces’ Las Vegas facility to deliver the trophy and address the team, but the presentation itself took an unplanned turn.
Appearing on NBA Today, Adebayo revealed that he was not originally supposed to be involved in handing over the award.
“It wasn’t planned for me to do that by no means. I got thrown in the fire,” Adebayo said. “It was supposed to be her parents and her mom looked at me and was like, ‘You’re gonna do it.'”
The moment proved emotional for Wilson, who became visibly tearful as Engelbert detailed her dominant 2025 campaign in front of teammates and loved ones. Adebayo, who has been in a relationship with Wilson for approximately four years, also spoke about her leadership qualities.
“She does it with so much purity,” Adebayo said. “She does it out of love, wanting to see the team succeed.”
Wilson’s 2025 season backed up the praise. She averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and a career-high 42.4% from three-point range. She led the league in scoring and blocks, finished second in rebounding behind Angel Reese, and was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year alongside Minnesota Lynx star Alanna Smith.
The MVP honor capped another championship season for Wilson, who led the Aces to their third WNBA title in 2025. Adebayo was also present during the Finals celebration, when Wilson thanked him publicly on the court following the title-clinching win over the Phoenix Mercury.
Wilson later referred to Adebayo as her “boyfriend” during an emotional speech at the South Carolina Gamecocks Hall of Fame ceremony in October, further confirming their long-standing relationship.
Looking ahead, Wilson has confirmed she will not participate in the Unrivaled league, opting to prioritize rest as she prepares for the 2026 WNBA season. Adebayo, meanwhile, continues to anchor the Miami Heat’s frontcourt, averaging 17.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game this season.
