ESPN REPORT! Excitement hits the Colonial Life Arena as Gamecocks officially announced the Return of former and legendary Player A’ja Wilson ahead of the 2025-26 season
ESPN REPORT! Excitement Hits the Colonial Life Arena as Gamecocks Officially Announce the Return of Legendary Player A’ja Wilson Ahead of the 2025–26 Season
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Colonial Life Arena erupted in thunderous celebration this morning as the University of South Carolina made a jaw-dropping announcement:
A’ja Wilson, the most iconic player in Gamecocks women’s basketball history, is returning to the program for the 2025–26 season — not as a coach, not as an ambassador, but as a player.
The announcement, made live on ESPN and broadcast throughout South Carolina, stunned fans and sent shockwaves across the college basketball world. “I’ve done everything I dreamed of in the WNBA, but something in my heart told me my journey at South Carolina wasn’t finished,” said Wilson, standing at center court as fans chanted her name. “I’m coming back — one last run in garnet and black.”
Wilson, 28, had recently led the Las Vegas Aces to multiple WNBA championships, collecting MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors along the way. Though her jersey was retired earlier this year, the NCAA granted her a one-year reinstatement under a rarely used provision related to her 2020 COVID-interrupted eligibility.
“This is unprecedented,” said Dawn Staley, head coach of the Gamecocks. “A’ja is not just a player — she’s the soul of this program. To have her back, wearing that jersey again, it’s a dream we didn’t think was possible.”
The moment was marked with fanfare and symbolism. Wilson, donning a new edition of her signature Nike sneakers — the A’One “Comeback Edition” — pulled off a black cloak to reveal her No. 22 Gamecocks jersey beneath. The crowd of 18,000, packed into Colonial Life Arena for what was supposed to be a “fan appreciation day,” stood stunned for a second, then erupted into a deafening roar.
Students cried. Alumni hugged. Former teammates flooded social media with messages of joy and disbelief. “This changes everything,” wrote former teammate and current WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston on X (formerly Twitter). “The queen is home.”
Wilson’s return is expected to redefine the 2025–26 NCAA women’s basketball landscape. South Carolina was already a projected Final Four team — now, with Wilson in the mix, analysts have moved them to title favorites.
“This will be the most-watched women’s college basketball season in history,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “A’ja coming back? That’s not just a story — it’s a movement.”
The Gamecocks’ home opener is scheduled for November 4, and Colonial Life Arena is already sold out. Ticket resale prices have soared past Final Four levels.
When asked what she hopes to accomplish in her return, Wilson smiled. “I just want to finish what we started. One more banner. One more memory. Let’s ride.”
South Carolina is back — and with A’ja Wilson leading the charge, the nation is watching.
