The WNBA’s Most Valuable Player race has been one of the most gripping storylines of the 2025 season, pitting A’ja Wilson against Napheesa Collier in a battle of statistical dominance and historical significance. As the debate raged among fans and analysts, WNBA legend Candace Parker finally weighed in, offering a clear and decisive answer on her “Post Moves” podcast and settling the question for herself.
Who Does Candace Parker Believe Is the 2025 WNBA MVP?
On “Post Moves,” Candace Parker made her preference clear. Without hesitation, she stated, “If I 100% have a vote, A’ja Wilson definitely deserves MVP.”
In Parker’s view, Wilson’s combination of dominance, durability, and a powerful late-season surge placed her above the competition. That endorsement carries significant weight, as it comes from a legend who has won the award three times herself, with two regular-season MVPs and one All-Star MVP.
However, Parker did not dismiss Collier’s incredible season. She made sure to spotlight the Minnesota Lynx forward’s historic efficiency. “I do want to shout out Napheesa Collier, though, because she’s the second player in WNBA history to join the 50-40-90 club, joining Delle Donne who actually won MVP the year that she shot 50-40-90 in 2019,” Parker said. “So, I don’t think we can negate the type of season Napheesa has put together. Also, her team being the number one seed, locked that up really early.”
Ultimately, while Parker sees Wilson as the MVP, she also recognizes Collier’s campaign as one that should not be overlooked or undervalued.
What Makes the MVP Case for Each Player?
Collier’s resume this season has been staggering. She averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, becoming the first player in league history to post a 50-40-90 shooting split while averaging over 20 points. Her Minnesota Lynx secured the league’s top record at 34–10, establishing her as the centerpiece of the WNBA’s best team.
Her remarkable efficiency put her in elite company alongside Washington Mystics legend Elena Delle Donne, who first achieved the feat during her own MVP campaign in 2019. Collier’s addition to that exclusive list has been celebrated across the league, and her numbers prove she was arguably the most precise and versatile scorer this year.
| 2025 Metric | Napheesa Collier | A’ja Wilson |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 22.9 | 23.4 |
| Rebounds | 7.3 | ~10.0 |
| FG% / 3PT% / FT% | 53.1 / 40.3 / 90.6 | ~50 / ~38 / ~85 |
Collier’s case was bolstered by both her individual numbers and Minnesota’s ability to dominate the standings, even during stretches when she missed time with injury. For many observers, that combination of production and team success made her the season’s best story.
So, what gives Wilson the edge? While Collier was known for her efficiency, Wilson’s case is built on sheer power and availability. The Las Vegas Aces star led the league in scoring (23.4) and blocks (2.3), all while driving a record-setting winning streak that turned the Aces into title contenders once again.
Furthermore, Wilson appeared in more games than Collier, playing in 40 contests compared to Collier’s 33. It is a gap that Parker and other voters may see as a critical tipping point in a close race.
Beyond the raw numbers, Wilson’s late-season run was historic in its own right. She logged multiple 30-point double-doubles, pushed the Aces to a top-two seed, and reminded everyone why she is already considered one of the greatest to ever play in the WNBA.
When Parker made her pick, it was not just about statistics. Her choice reflected their overall impact, the context of their seasons, and what it means to carry a team through the grind of a long season. Although she acknowledged Collier’s special season, the answer in her eyes was clear: Wilson is her MVP.