A'ja Wilson and Alanna Smith Make WNBA History By Becoming First-Ever Co-Defensive Players Of The Year

Apparently, one wasn’t enough.

In a surprising turn of events, the WNBA has announced that two competitors will be named 2025 Defensive Player of the Year. These two players are Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who has received this honor for the third time, and Minnesota Lynx starting forward Alanna Smith, who has bagged her first DPOY win.

For those wondering how a tie became possible, here’s what happened: During the voting process to determine the DPOY in the WNBA this year, Wilson and Smith got 29 votes apiece from the 72 media members casting their ballots.

Other players who received votes from the media included Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams, Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas, and Minnesota Lynx franchise player Napheesa Collier (who won the award last year).

The case for either Wilson or Smith to be named the best defensive player is a rock-solid one. On the one hand, Wilson led the league in blocks (2.3 bpg) while also landing in the top 12 in steals (1.6 spg). The reigning, three-time MVP also ranked first in defensive rating and defensive win shares on the Aces roster.

This will be the latest trophy in Wilson’s highly decorated career, but there are more milestones for her to achieve in the coming years. The Aces star’s third DPOY win puts her in a tie with Sheryl Swoopes, and now, Wilson could be looking to surpass Sylvia Fowles (four-time winner) and Tamika Catchings (five-time winner).

On the other hand, Smith was an integral part of the Lynx’s league-leading defensive rating in the 2025 campaign. The Lynx forward ranked third in blocks (1.9 bpg) and placed second in combined steals and blocks (135). Last year, the 6-foot-4 Aussie was named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Sharing DPOY honors with Wilson now validates her impeccable work on the defensive end since she entered the league in 2019.

In the 28-year history of the WNBA, there has never been a pair of co-winners when it comes to the DPOY award. Thanks to their contributions on the defensive end this season, Wilson and Smith have etched their names in the record books.