Have you ever been a co-DPOY in the history of WNBA? A'ja Wilson split the defensive player honor with the explored Lynx striker


The WNBA announced on Thursday that Las Vegas Aes Star A'ja Wilson and Minnesota Lynx The Alanna Smith striker are the co-defense players of 2025 of the year. This marks the first time the prize went to two players.

Since the opening season of the League in 1997, the DPOY Award has been given to a single player. Wilson and Smith received 29 votes each of a panel of 72 sports and stations. There was no tiebreaker as the WNBA only collects one vote in the first place for the DPOY Award.

Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm Guard, was second in DPoy voting with nine votes. Phoenix star Mercury Alyssa Thomas received three votes while Lynx Star Naphesesa collierwho won the prize in 2024, had two votes.

Wilson won the prize for the third time in his eight -year career, drawing to Sheryl Swoopes for the highest third in WNBA history. Indiana fever legend Tamika Catchings maintains the record for most DPoy victories with five, while Sylvia Fowles won four times.

Wilson was previously appointed DPOY in 2022 and 2023. The Acees star led the league in blocks per game (2.3) and was fourth in robberies (1.6).

On the other hand, Smith won DPOY for the first time. Smith finished with averages of 1.9 PBG and 1.3 SPG and was a comprehensive piece in the best classified defense in the league. Minnesota led the WNBA with a defensive rating of 97.5 points per 100 possessions.

WNBA announced seven most regular season awards

From the programming of the WNBA awards ads, the MVP finalists of the 2025 League will be appointed on Friday. Many pointed and fans expect a narrow race between Las Vegas Aes, star A'ja Wilson and Minnesota star Lynx, Naphesesa Collier.

Before the MVP announcement on Sunday, the sixth player of the year will be named Saturday. The winners of the Sportsmanship Award and the executive of the year will continue on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

The All-Rookie team will be revealed on September 29, defensive teams on October 1 and teams throughout the WNBA on October 7.

So far, the winners of the 2025 Regular Season Award include Paige Bueckers de Rookie of the Year, Natalie Nakase Year coach and the most improved player Veronica Burton.