What Happened to Las Vegas Aces?
The Las Vegas Aces are a dominant force in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), having relocated to Las Vegas in 2018 and quickly establishing themselves as a championship contender. Under the ownership of Mark Davis and the coaching of Becky Hammon, led by four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, the team has secured three WNBA championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, becoming a modern dynasty in professional women's basketball.
Quick Answer
The Las Vegas Aces have become one of the WNBA's premier franchises since their relocation in 2018, winning three WNBA championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Led by superstar A'ja Wilson and coached by Becky Hammon, the team continues to be a top contender. As of August 2026, they are in their 2026 season, having recently competed in the Commissioner's Cup championship game.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Franchise Founded as Utah Starzz
The team was established as one of the WNBA's original franchises, based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Relocation to San Antonio
The franchise relocated to San Antonio, Texas, and was renamed the San Antonio Silver Stars, later shortened to the San Antonio Stars.
Relocation to Las Vegas and Rebranding as Aces
MGM Resorts International purchased the team and moved it to Las Vegas, rebranding it as the Las Vegas Aces. They also drafted A'ja Wilson with the No. 1 overall pick.
Reached WNBA Finals
The Aces made their second WNBA Finals appearance in franchise history but ultimately fell to the Seattle Storm.
Mark Davis Purchases the Team
Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, agreed to purchase the Las Vegas Aces, a move approved by the league in February 2021.
Becky Hammon Hired as Head Coach
Becky Hammon, a former WNBA star and pioneering NBA assistant coach, was hired as the Aces' head coach, becoming the highest-paid coach in the league.
Won First WNBA Championship
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Connecticut Sun in four games to win their first WNBA Championship, also securing the 2022 Commissioner's Cup.
Won Second Consecutive WNBA Championship
The Aces made history by winning back-to-back WNBA championships, defeating the New York Liberty and becoming the first team in over 20 years to do so.
Becky Hammon Inducted into Hall of Fame
Aces head coach Becky Hammon was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions as a player and coach.
Lost in WNBA Semifinals
The Aces finished 2nd in the Western Conference but lost to the New York Liberty in the WNBA Semifinals, 3 games to 1.
Won Third WNBA Championship
The Las Vegas Aces secured their third WNBA Championship in four years, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals.
A'ja Wilson Signs Record Supermax Contract
Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson signed a three-year, $5 million supermax contract, the largest deal in WNBA history, to remain with the Aces.
2026 Training Camp Begins
The Las Vegas Aces' training camp for the 2026 WNBA season officially tipped off, featuring a roster headlined by A'ja Wilson and eight returning members from the 2025 championship team.
Current Status in 2026 Season
As of today, the Las Vegas Aces are actively competing in the 2026 WNBA season with a record of 25-13, having advanced to the Commissioner's Cup championship game before losing to the New York Liberty.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Las Vegas Aces franchise has a rich history, originating as the Utah Starzz in 1997, one of the WNBA's inaugural teams. The team later moved to San Antonio in 2003, becoming the San Antonio Silver Stars and then the San Antonio Stars. A pivotal moment occurred in 2018 when MGM Resorts International purchased the team and relocated it to Las Vegas, rebranding it as the Las Vegas Aces. This move marked a new era for the franchise, which immediately made an impact by selecting A'ja Wilson as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, who went on to win Rookie of the Year.
In January 2021, Mark Davis, owner of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, acquired the Aces, further solidifying the team's presence in the Las Vegas sports landscape. This ownership change was followed by another significant hire in December 2021, when Becky Hammon was appointed as head coach, making her the highest-paid coach in the WNBA. Hammon, a former WNBA All-Star and pioneering NBA assistant coach, quickly transformed the team into a championship-winning powerhouse.
The Aces' dominance began in 2022, when they defeated the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Finals to claim their first franchise championship, also securing the 2022 WNBA Commissioner's Cup. They continued their success in 2023, winning their second consecutive WNBA championship, becoming the first team in over two decades to achieve back-to-back titles. While the 2024 season saw them finish second in the Western Conference and lose in the WNBA Semifinals to the New York Liberty, they quickly rebounded.
In 2025, the Las Vegas Aces once again reached the pinnacle of the league, winning their third WNBA Championship by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals. This solidified their status as a modern dynasty, with A'ja Wilson earning her fourth MVP award in 2025. Looking to the 2026 season, the Aces continued to make headlines. In April 2026, A'ja Wilson signed a historic three-year, $5 million supermax contract, the largest in WNBA history, reaffirming her commitment to the team. As of August 2026, the Aces are actively competing in the 2026 WNBA season, having advanced to the Commissioner's Cup championship game before losing to the New York Liberty. Their roster remains strong, featuring core players like Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, as they aim for another championship run.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Las Vegas Aces made different choices?