Chelsea Gray Pays the Price After Losing Friendly Wager to A’ja Wilson
Las Vegas, May 7, 2025 — Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray found herself on the losing end of a playful bet with teammate A’ja Wilson and had to face the consequences in a very public (and very amusing) way.
The friendly wager stemmed from a high-profile college basketball matchup last season between Wilson’s alma mater, the South Carolina Gamecocks, and Gray’s beloved Duke Blue Devils. With bragging rights on the line, the two WNBA stars made a bet: whichever team lost, the other would get to decide a punishment.
When South Carolina emerged victorious in a convincing win over Duke, Wilson knew exactly how she wanted Gray to pay up. The reigning WNBA MVP made her teammate sport full South Carolina Gamecocks gear from head to toe, including a Gamecocks jersey, a matching hat, and even a foam finger emblazoned with the team’s logo.
The scene played out hilariously in front of cameras at the Aces’ practice facility, where Gray arrived decked out in garnet and black, much to the delight of Wilson and the rest of their teammates. Videos of Gray walking into practice, waving the foam finger and reluctantly chanting “Go Gamecocks,” quickly went viral on social media.
“A bet’s a bet,” Gray said with a grin during a post-practice interview. “I’ve gotta give A’ja her props — they earned it. But don’t think I’m forgetting this next season.”
Wilson, meanwhile, couldn’t hide her amusement. “You see this? That’s loyalty,” she joked, filming Gray on her phone. “Chelsea looks GOOD in garnet. I might get her season tickets.”
Fans flooded social media with reactions, praising the camaraderie and playful rivalry between the two stars. The video garnered thousands of likes and shares, with many fans calling for the pair to make similar bets for other sporting events.
“Love to see athletes having fun like this,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Chelsea Gray’s a good sport. But next time, double or nothing!”
Others joked about Gray’s future loyalties. “She’s officially a Gamecock now. Sorry, Duke!” another fan wrote alongside screenshots of Gray in the Gamecocks outfit.
The lighthearted moment further cemented the close friendship between Gray and Wilson, who have become two of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA. Both players were key contributors to the Aces’ back-to-back championships and have developed an undeniable chemistry both on and off the court.
Their playful rivalry over their college teams has been an ongoing theme in interviews and social media interactions, with Wilson often teasing Gray about South Carolina’s dominance in women’s basketball in recent years.
“We’ve got banners. That’s all I’m saying,” Wilson quipped when asked about the bet.
Gray, for her part, has vowed to even the score. “Next season, we’re coming for you,” she warned with a playful glare at Wilson.
The bet has sparked interest beyond WNBA circles, with some fans suggesting the duo host a charity event tied to their college rivalry. Sports networks also picked up the story, airing clips of Gray’s Gamecocks attire during highlight reels of the Aces’ practice.
As the Aces gear up for another title run, moments like these showcase the lighter side of professional sports, where competitive fire and humor can coexist. For Gray, the experience was humbling but unforgettable.
“I’ll wear the colors today,” she said with a laugh. “But don’t expect me to sing ‘Sandstorm’ anytime soon.”
Wilson’s response? “Challenge accepted.”
Whether or not Gray will seek revenge next season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their friendly rivalry continues to bring joy to fans and teammates alike — proving that even off the court, these stars know how to put on a show.
