Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson believes that WNBA athletes have the “toughest schedule” of any athletes in professional sports. The Las Vegas Aces star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist recently made these comments while appearing on Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart’s Roommates Show podcast.
Wilson shared her personal experience navigating the demanding WNBA calendar, comparing it to other major sports schedules, and detailed why she feels women’s basketball players have one of the most challenging professional routines.
Wilson, who won back-to-back WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023 and then helped lead Team USA Women’s Basketball to a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, spoke about her journey from college basketball to the professional ranks.
Her insights provided an in-depth look at the physical and mental toll that the WNBA’s rigorous schedule takes on its athletes.
During the podcast, Wilson was candid about the difficulties she faced when transitioning from her college career at South Carolina to the professional level, emphasizing how the hectic schedule impacted her life. She also discussed how being an elite player often means balancing national team duties with the WNBA season, adding a whole new layer of complexity and fatigue.
Josh Hart, New York Knicks forward and co-host of the podcast, asked Wilson whether she thought WNBA players had the most strenuous careers, capping off his question by asking if she felt their schedule was the toughest. Wilson didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, for sure,” she replied, highlighting the unique challenges that come with being a professional women’s basketball player.
“I went in, I got drafted, I literally did training camp, and I came back to college just to walk for graduation, and then I had to go play my first preseason game,” Wilson explained, recounting the whirlwind period immediately after she was drafted into the WNBA. “I remember Jackie [Young] was like, ‘I had to get my draft dress in a matter of a day.’ There’s no way one of the biggest nights of my life I have to be rushed. It’s insane.”
Wilson went on to describe the relentless nature of the schedule, particularly for those involved with the national team. “We have six Olympians this year, so that’s like half our roster gone, while other teams may have their whole roster—those players can go on vacation, they can rest,” she said. The WNBA season demands a constant focus on the game, without the extended breaks that some athletes in other sports may enjoy.
Wilson’s argument centered on how the WNBA calendar forces players to compete nearly year-round. With the season running from May to October, players often jump directly into international competitions like the Olympics or FIBA tournaments.
Unlike many men’s professional leagues, where players have a few months off to rest and recover, WNBA stars are frequently in a cycle of training, travel, and competition, leaving little time for rest.
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Despite her claim, there are some who argue that other women’s sports, such as soccer, face equally demanding schedules.
For example, players in the Women’s Super League, the top division of women’s soccer in England, participate in a season that runs from September through May, plus they have international team obligations throughout the year.
This extended timeline provides less of an off-season compared to the WNBA, which runs from May to late October.
However, Wilson’s point about the balancing act between domestic league play and international duty is still significant. For players like her, the offseason is almost non-existent, as they are immediately called up to represent their country in international competitions.
The responsibility of playing in multiple leagues and tournaments takes an immense toll on both physical health and mental well-being, something Wilson highlighted in her discussion.
Wilson’s comments were met with a mix of agreement and debate among fans and sports commentators.
Many agreed that the physical demands placed on WNBA players are incredibly taxing, especially when considering the lack of financial resources and support compared to their male counterparts in other professional leagues.
Others pointed out that grueling schedules are a part of many professional sports, but the key difference is the level of support and rest periods built into those other sports.
This season, Wilson’s on-court performance was nothing short of dominant. She averaged a career-high 26.9 points per game and pulled down 11.9 rebounds per game, earning her third WNBA MVP award.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of back-to-back championships and an Olympic gold medal, Wilson showed why she is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the league.
Wilson’s determination and resilience in the face of such a demanding schedule speak volumes about her commitment to the game.
Her voice is a powerful one in the ongoing conversation about athlete well-being, and her comments have once again brought attention to the challenges that female athletes face—particularly in a league like the WNBA, where the physical demands are high, the travel schedule is intense, and the spotlight often feels relentless.
As the discussion around player schedules and workload continues, Wilson’s perspective is an important reminder that the challenges female athletes face often go beyond what meets the eye.
Balancing league play, international competition, personal commitments, and staying in peak physical shape is no small feat, and for Wilson, the grind continues as she aims for even more success in the coming seasons.
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