Aces celebrate WNBA championship with epic parade in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Celebrate Victory with Triumphant Parade

Las Vegas dressed up to celebrate the Aces’ third championship in four years, with a spectacular parade down the famous Strip. The celebration took place eight years after the WNBA and the NBA Board of Governors confirmed the relocation of the San Antonio Stars to Las Vegas.

“We’re back!” exclaimed owner Mark Davis, wearing a white satin team jacket on the stage at Toshiba Plaza, in front of the T-Mobile Arena. “Las Vegas, we are world champions.”

Mark Davis

The parade, led by classic low-rider cars that displayed their hydraulic systems, featured five double-decker buses that traveled along the Las Vegas Boulevard. The last bus carried the Aces, who threw streamers and confetti at the thousands of fans who gathered hours before the start of the parade. The Aces, after a season start with a 14-14 record, overcame two very close playoff series before sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals. The Toshiba Plaza was filled with fans of all ages, from children to seniors, as well as political dignitaries, to celebrate the fourth professional championship since 2022, with three titles for the Aces and the Stanley Cup for the NHL’s Golden Knights in 2023.

“We should do it again next year,” said Aces coach Becky Hammon.

Becky Hammon

Hammon, who completed her fourth season with the Aces, highlighted that this year’s team was the easiest to coach. “They came and worked hard, regardless of the circumstances,” she stated. “This is one of the groups with the most character and resilience.” Following the loss of key players from the previous championship teams, the Aces welcomed many new faces and needed almost three months to consolidate, before stringing together 16 consecutive wins to finish the regular season and earn the second seed in the playoffs.

“This is a very special group; we pray together and celebrate with champagne,” said A’ja Wilson, four-time MVP, who became emotional when talking about Hammon’s dedication to each player. “She believed in us when no one else did. We would be nothing without Becky Hammon.”

A’ja Wilson

NaLyssa Smith, who joined the team mid-season, looked at her teammates on stage and said: “You changed my life.” Jackie Young, who has been part of the team in all three championships, was concise in her speech: “Just know that this isn’t over yet,” she said, dropping the microphone. The celebration culminated with confetti and fireworks, while Queen’s “We Are The Champions” played. The live musical performances were by Crime Mob, Ludacris, and Mya.

“Now it’s a parade,” said Jewell Loyd, who won her first WNBA championship with the Aces.

Jewell Loyd