"Obviously my bank account": A'ja Wilson describes how she would have acclimatized to NIL deals and modern college money

Two-time WNBA champion A'ja Wilson was one of the guest panelists at the recent Time100 Summit on Wednesday.

At the event hosted by Time magazine, the two-time WNBA Finals MVP shared her thoughts on how it would've benefited her college career if the NIL deals happened during her time.

"Obviously, my bank account would be the biggest difference. But I feel like I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I would have an agent in college. I feel like it kind of strips you from actually being that student-athlete," the former South Carolina standout said.

The two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year also feels that if the NIL took effect during her time in the NCAA, college players would think twice about joining the WNBA due to all the money they can make from such a deal.

"It could also kind of be, your career could be different because you could be satisfied in those spaces and be like, 'Well, I'm good, I have enough, I made enough. Why go to the next level?' And I feel like we saw that this year," Wilson explained.

WNBA star A'ja Wilson reacts to NFL legend Tom Brady's message after being named Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024

Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson was recently included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2024. The WNBA star was just one of many athletes to be honored by the magazine.

Time's official X account tweeted former NFL champion Tom Brady's message to the two-time WNBA champion about her inclusion in the magazine's elite list.

"A’ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) is not just an incredible athlete, she is also an inspiration to all who witness her talent and drive," @TomBrady writes. "Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and fearlessness in achieving greatness," the magazine's X account shared.

A'ja Wilson reposted Time's tweet including her reaction to X.

"Thank you @TIME & Appreciate you @TomBrady!!"

The Las Vegas Aces will begin their WNBA title defense against the Phoenix Mercury on May 14 at 10 pm ET.