Las Vegas Aces Celebrate Their Third Championship in Style
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, outside T-Mobile Arena. “Las Vegas, we are world champions.”
Mark Davis, Owner of the AcesThe parade, led by low-rider classic cars showcasing their hydraulic systems, featured five double-decker buses that traveled along Tropicana Boulevard and Las Vegas Boulevard. The last bus carried the Aces, who threw streamers and confetti at thousands of fans who gathered four hours before the start of the parade. The Aces overcame a 14-14 start to the season and two hard-fought playoff series before sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals. The Toshiba Plaza filled up to celebrate the fourth professional championship since 2022, with the Aces winning three and the NHL’s Golden Knights winning the Stanley Cup in 2023.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. This is one of the groups with the most character and resilience.” After losing several key players from their previous rosters, the Aces welcomed many new faces and needed almost three months to consolidate before achieving 16 consecutive wins to end the regular season and earn the second spot in the playoffs.“We should do it again next year,” said Aces coach Becky Hammon.
Becky Hammon, Aces Coach“This is a special group; we pray together and we toast with champagne together,” said A’ja Wilson, who became emotional when talking about Hammon’s dedication to each player. “She believed in us when no one else did. We’re not going anywhere without Becky Hammon.”
A’ja Wilson, Aces PlayerNaLyssa 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 comment: “Just so you know, we’re not done yet.” The celebration culminated with confetti and fireworks, while Queen’s “We Are The Champions” played. In addition, there were live performances by Crime Mob, Ludacris, and Mya. “Now, this is a parade,” Jewell Loyd said.
