31

Mar

Team Profile

Las Vegas Aces: Five things you need to know

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basketball.com.au

Las Vegas Aces: Five things you need to know
Las Vegas Aces: Five things you need to know

Defending WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces continue to build modern-era dynasty behind A'ja Wilson

  • First WNBA team to win back-to-back championships since 2001-2002
  • Set WNBA record for most regular season wins (34) in 2023
  • Won 2022 WNBA Commissioner's Cup and two consecutive WNBA Championships
  • Utah Starzz (1997–2002), San Antonio Silver Stars (2003–2013), San Antonio Stars (2014–2017) and Las Vegas Aces (2018–present)

WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson is the engine behind the Las Vegas Aces’ modern dynasty, redefining dominance on both ends of the floor. The 1.93m forward combines elite scoring, rebounding, and rim protection with unmatched consistency, anchoring a system built for championships.

A multiple-time MVP and Finals MVP, Wilson has become the league’s most reliable superstar – a player who dictates matchups, controls tempo, and elevates every possession she’s involved in.

Las Vegas Aces

League: WNBA (Western Conference)
Founded: 1997 (Utah Starzz → San Antonio → Las Vegas 2018–present)
Home Arena: Michelob Ultra Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada
Ownership: Mark Davis (majority), Tom Brady (minority)
Head Coach: Becky Hammon
President: Nikki Fargas

Snapshot

  • 3× WNBA Champions (2022, 2023, 2025)
  • Back-to-back titles (2022–2023)
  • 2025 champions (third title in four years)
  • Modern dynasty of the 2020s
Chelsea Gray #12 and A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces react after Gray hit a 3-pointer against the New York Liberty in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 95-81. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Identity: The League’s Offensive Benchmark

The Aces are the most explosive team in the WNBA.

Under Becky Hammon, Las Vegas has redefined offensive efficiency, pace and spacing — combining elite talent with system precision.

At the centre of everything is A'ja Wilson — the league’s most dominant two-way force and multiple-time MVP.

The Aces don’t just score.

They overwhelm.

Dynasty Build: From Relocation to Dominance

The turning point came in 2018.

Las Vegas relocated the franchise, drafted A’ja Wilson No. 1 overall, and began a deliberate climb toward contention.

Key milestones:

  • 2020: WNBA Finals appearance
  • 2022: First championship (def. Connecticut)
  • 2023: Back-to-back title (def. New York)
  • 2025: Third championship in four years (def. Phoenix)

This is the fastest rise to sustained dominance in modern WNBA history.

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces fights for possession against Courtney Vandersloot #22, Breanna Stewart #30 and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 06, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 76-62 to win the series three games to one. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Current Core (Championship Window)

A’ja Wilson (F/C)

  • MVP-level anchor
  • Elite scorer, rebounder, defender

Chelsea Gray (G)

  • Playmaking engine
  • Finals MVP pedigree

Jackie Young (G)

  • Two-way guard
  • Efficient scoring + defensive versatility

Jewell Loyd (G)

  • Elite perimeter scorer
  • Shot creation at volume

Kiah Stokes / Frontcourt rotation

  • Interior defence and role clarity

Australian Watch: Championship Impact

Cayla George (2023)

  • Played key role in title run
  • Started in championship-clinching game

Liz Cambage (2019–2021)

  • Dominant interior presence
  • All-Star production during tenure

Australia has had a real imprint on the Aces’ rise — particularly during their championship phase.

By the Numbers

  • 2023 Record: 34 wins (WNBA record)
  • 2025 Champions: Swept Finals 4–0
  • PPG (peak era): 90+ per game
  • MVPs (Wilson): Multiple

Club Philosophy

Las Vegas blends:

  • Star power
  • System execution
  • Elite infrastructure

The organisation invested early:

  • First WNBA-exclusive training facility
  • High-performance resources
  • Player-first environment

This is a franchise built to maximise stars, not manage them.

Market Impact: The WNBA’s Flagship

The Aces are now the league’s showcase team.

  • First team to sell out full season tickets (2024)
  • Major commercial growth
  • National and global visibility

Las Vegas has become the centre of gravity for the WNBA.

Legacy: A Modern Dynasty

The Aces are no longer building.

They are defining the era.

Three titles in four years places them alongside the Lynx as one of the most dominant teams in league history — but with a style built for the modern game.

Outlook: Still the Team to Beat

With:

  • A generational MVP
  • Championship continuity
  • Elite coaching

Las Vegas remains the benchmark.

The question isn’t whether they contend.

It’s whether anyone can stop them.

Five Things You Need To Know

1. The modern WNBA dynasty: Three titles in four years define the current era.

2. A’ja Wilson is the league’s best player: A'ja Wilson anchors both ends of the floor.

3. Becky Hammon changed the system: Becky Hammon built the league’s most efficient offence.

4. Built to maximise stars: Las Vegas pairs elite talent with elite structure.

5. Still the benchmark team: Every contender is measured against the Aces.

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