A'ja Wilson voted top female athlete at 2024 ESPYs

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson was disappointed last year when she wasn't named the most valuable player in the WNBA.

At the ESPY Awards Thursday in Los Angeles, however, she won another big prize, announced as Best Athlete, Women's Sports. Wilson bested Caitlin Clark, nominated for her achievements at Iowa, golfer Nelly Korda and U.S. Open winner Coco Gauff.

Wilson wasn't in attendance but sent a video message.

"I could not miss an opportunity just to say thank you to all my fans out there," Wilson said. "I wouldn't be the player I am today without you guys' support. It does not go unnoticed. It's great to think that a young girl that didn't even want to play basketball ... won an ESPY, which is truly, truly special to my heart."

The start of the annual awards, hosted by tennis great Serena Williams, was delayed about 30 minutes. Instead, ABC chose to stick with coverage of President Joe Biden's news conference following the NATO summit, held amid calls for him to end his candidacy for reelection following a gaffe-filled debate last month.

Once the ESPY Awards commenced, the focus was squarely on sports, including on the rise of women's athletics over the past year, highlighted in the opening number by Ciara.

Fittingly, the first award of the evening went to JuJu Watkins, who won Best Breakthrough Athlete for her freshman basketball season at Southern California. She was named an All-American and averaged 27.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Jaylen Brown won Best Championship Performance for leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA title last month.

Amid some controversy, Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service, which is connected to impact on the military community. Tillman, an NFL player turned soldier, died on duty in Afghanistan 20 years ago at age 27.

Prince Harry was honored for his founding a decade ago of the Invictus Games, which provide athletic competition for military members and veterans who suffered illness or injuries in the line of duty.

Despite that, Tillman's mother, Mary "Dannie" Tillman, criticized the selection of Prince Harry -- who served in the British military, including in Afghanistan -- calling him "controversial and divisive."

In receiving the award, the now California-based royal received a standing ovation and sent a personal message to Tillman's mother, Mary, from the stage.

"Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect," he said, as his wife, Meghan Markle, watched from the crowd. "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."

He continued: "The truth is I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me.

"That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this in front of people like you."

--Field Level Media