Las Vegas Aces: WNBA Champions for the 3rd time in 4 years!

Las Vegas Aces Conquer Their Third Championship in Four Years

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 97-86 in a dominant encounter, securing their third WNBA championship in the last four years. This triumph solidifies their position as the reigning dynasty in the league. The Aces completed a four-game sweep against the Mercury in the first WNBA Finals played in a best-of-seven format. A’ja Wilson, the Aces superstar and four-time league MVP, led the way in Game 4, finishing with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, earning her the Finals MVP award. During the Finals, she averaged 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

She is alone on Everest.

Becky Hammon, coach of the Aces

Coach Becky Hammon, who played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2014, considers the Aces to be one of the league’s greatest franchises already. The Aces’ trajectory this season was different from their consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023, when they led the league. After a 53-point loss, the team achieved a 16-game winning streak to secure second place in the playoffs, overcoming challenging series before dominating the Finals and reaffirming their elite status.

This victory feels different because it was different. There was much more adversity than any of us anticipated.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

During the first two and a half months of the season, the Aces failed to come together. However, the team’s core believed in the process and remained steadfast, which led them to success. Chelsea Gray, Aces point guard, expressed her pride in how the team stayed focused and confident throughout the season.

The Aces overcame a difficult start to dominate in the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals. “This win feels different because it was different,” commented coach Becky Hammon.While the Aces struggled to find their way, the Minnesota Lynx led the league, but were eliminated in the semifinals by Phoenix. The Mercury came to the Finals with momentum, but the Aces neutralized it. Las Vegas won Game 1 narrowly, Game 2 comfortably, and Game 3 with a Wilson game-winner at the last second. The Aces were never at a disadvantage in Game 4, leading by 16 points at halftime and 14 at the start of the final quarter, following the ejection of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts. Despite the Mercury’s reaction in the final quarter, the Aces maintained their lead and celebrated their third title. Gray and Jackie Young each scored 18 points and combined for 12 assists. Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans contributed 22 points off the bench.

I ended up in the promised land.

Jewell Loyd

With Wilson and Young, both former No. 1s, still in their prime, the Aces have the potential to join the select group of teams with four WNBA titles, if they manage to keep their key players. Almost all players not on rookie contracts will be free agents for the 2026 season. Before free agency begins, the league and the players’ union will need to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement and conduct expansion drafts for Portland and Toronto, two new franchises in 2026. The league’s off-court issues led fans to boo commissioner Cathy Engelbert as she presented the championship trophy to the Aces and the Finals MVP trophy to Wilson. Gray commented that the players deserve to be treated with respect. The WNBA’s labor issues and free agency movement will unfold in the coming months. In the meantime, the Aces can reflect on what they experienced and achieved this season.

Good things happen to the right people.

A’ja Wilson