There’s been plenty of excitement leading into each new season since the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces relocated to the Strip in 2017 and began competing at Michelob Ultra Arena inside Mandalay Bay in 2018. But this year is special, and the excitement may be reaching a new peak.
After advancing to the WNBA Finals in 2020 and reaching the semifinals in 2019 and 2021, the Aces are poised for a big year, especially since a franchise legend has returned to lead the team as head coach.
Becky Hammon played for 16 years in the WNBA, including eight with the San Antonio Stars, which moved to Las Vegas to become the Aces. Since 2014, Hammon has worked as an assistant coach for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, and was the first woman in the history of the men’s league to occupy that position.
“Becky has become an integral part of our program in every way, shape and form,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said when the Aces hired Hammon. “This is a great opportunity for her to highlight her many skills. Her intuitive feel for the game and ability to teach will serve the Aces very well as she institutes her system and culture.”
It feels like a perfect fit for the team and for the city, which has obviously exploded with major league sports events in recent years. Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, purchased the Aces from MGM Resorts International in 2021 and moved quickly to bring on new leadership, including team president Nikki Fargas and general manager Natalie Williams (another former WNBA great and Olympic gold medalist) to set a tone.
“I am so excited to return to the WNBA and grateful for Mark Davis and Nikki Fargas having a vision for me to lead the Aces,” Hammon said. “This is where I come from, and I wouldn’t be me without the W. I’m thrilled to be able to give back and lead this next group of women.”
And it’s a stellar group, anchored by 2018 No. 1 draft pick, 2020 WNBA Most Valuable Player and 2021 Olympic gold medalist A’ja Wilson. In four seasons with the Aces, Wilson has emerged as one the city’s most beloved sports heroes, pacing the team with 18.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last season.
While Wilson holds it down in the paint, the versatile backcourt combination of veteran Chelsea Gray, 2021 Sixth Woman of the Year Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Riquna Williams all return to the squad this year. Key contributor Dearica Hamby is back as well, and the Aces expect to get some impact from 6-foot-3 forward Mya Hollingshed from Colorado, selected at No. 8 in this year’s draft.
The Aces opened the season on May 6 in Arizona against the Phoenix Mercury and host the Seattle Storm in the home opener at Mandalay Bay on May 8. The team has five more home games this month, starting with a rematch with Phoenix on May 17, and six Aces games will be televised nationally in 2022.
Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. May 8, 17, 19, 23 &31, noon May 21, prices vary. axs.com
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