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The 2023 WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces are preparing for their title defense this season. Ahead of training camp, two-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson spent some time appearing at media events.
The Aces' power forward was one of the speakers at the recent Time100 Summit on Wednesday. Event host Pablo Torre asked Wilson about the increased interest in women's hoops due to Caitlin Clark's popularity from the NCAA to the pro ranks.
"I hope this isn’t just a trend. I feel like we see it a lot with young athletes, like, ‘Oh my, we love her. We want to do this,'" the WNBA champion said. "Then, the minute it kind of shifts, or her path is a little rocky, all that goes away. I feel like that’s when it’s needed most. That’s when it’s an investment."
The two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year added that fans should continue to support women's basketball by going to arenas, watching WNBA games and buying their favorite player's jersey.
"Continue to invest in it. Buy that jersey. Go to that game. Take someone else. Put your money where your mouth is and invest in these women.”
Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson reacts to Caitlin Clark's popularity reaching the Asian region
Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is also getting some attention outside the US. At the recent Time100 Summit, A'ja Wilson was asked about Caitlin Clark's popularity reaching Asian countries.
"I feel like it's becoming amazing actually, because now I feel like, because I play it, and I've been in it, and now I'm seeing everyone else watching," she said.
The two-time WNBA champion hopes that the popularity of women's hoops continues to grow internationally.
"I feel like that's when it's needed the most. That's when the investment, the support, is needed. I pray that is not a trend, it's a movement that is heading to the right direction," A'ja Wilson added.
Reigning WNBA Finals MVP A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces begin their title defense against the Phoenix Mercury on May 14 at 10 pm ET.
