A’ja Wilson Named First Global Ambassador for Jr. WNBA
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Fresh off her seventh WNBA All-Star appearance, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson has been named the first-ever Global Ambassador for the Jr. WNBA, a landmark role that underscores the league’s commitment to expanding the game of basketball for girls worldwide.
The Jr. WNBA, a youth initiative founded in 2018 by the NBA and WNBA, aims to keep girls aged 5 to 17 engaged in basketball through programming that fosters skills, leadership, and community.
As part of the initiative, participants receive the Jr. WNBA Vision Box, a toolkit that helps them build vision boards to map out their aspirations both on and off the court.
Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist, spoke with WNBA.com about the personal significance of her new role.
“Connecting with youth, the future of this game is so near and dear to my heart,” she said. “I was once in their position, not even knowing if I wanted to play basketball. But because I stayed with it, it shaped who I am today.”
Reflecting on her journey, Wilson emphasized the importance of visibility. “If you can see her, you can be her. If I can just be seen in these spaces, and show them, ‘You can do this too,’ that’s the impact I hope to make,” she said. “I’ll continue to be a voice for the voiceless, giving young girls something they can see, dream of, and pursue.”
In addition to her ambassadorial duties, Wilson will serve as Strategic Advisor to the Jr. NBA/WNBA Court of Leaders, a mentorship program for standout high school players who will receive guidance from NBA and WNBA professionals.
Her long-term vision? To help create “the next A’ja Wilson.”
“I want to see someone take my place, a young girl who once sat on the court watching, who grows up to be a WNBA All-Star. That’s the legacy I want to help build,” she said.
Candice Haynes, Director of Youth Basketball Development for the Jr. WNBA, praised the initiative for offering more than just sports training.
“We see Jr. WNBA as a chance to educate girls not only as athletes, but as young women,” Haynes told WNBA.com. “Whether it’s setting goals, exploring careers, or simply falling in love with the game, it’s about building futures.”
Wilson, she added, embodies that potential. “She’s where these girls want to be, an MVP, a champion, and someone thriving off the court as well. Her example matters.”
Media personality and Jr. WNBA host Ari Chambers echoed that sentiment, noting that the league’s deeper mission is to retain girls in sports past the age of 14, a point where many drop out.
“What keeps them coming back are the friendships, the core memories,” Chambers said. “The Jr. WNBA doesn’t just build better basketball players, it builds better people.”
As Wilson continues to rack up accolades, including recently becoming the fastest player to reach 5,000 career points in WNBA history
