Las Vegas Aces: Dynasty Solidified! 3rd WNBA Title in 4 Years

The Las Vegas Aces were crowned WNBA champions for the third time in four years! In a dominant display, the team defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 97-86 on Friday night, solidifying their position as the reigning dynasty of the league. The Aces completed a four-game sweep in the WNBA Finals, the first best-of-seven series in league history. 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. Throughout the series, she averaged 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

She is alone on Everest. There is no one around.

Becky Hammon, coach of the Aces

Wilson celebrated the victory with a touch of humor, bringing a pink tambourine to the post-game press conference.

This is the symbol of the joy we have at this moment. And I am grateful.

A’ja Wilson, Aces player

Coach Becky Hammon, who played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2014, highlighted the evolution of the game and the skill level of current players.

Previous dynasties laid the groundwork and showed how it should be won.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

The Aces’ season was not easy. After a difficult start, including a 53-point loss, the team achieved a 16-game winning streak that secured them the second spot in the playoffs and allowed them to overcome challenging series before dominating the Finals.

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

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

The Aces, who hovered around 50% wins until the end of July, demonstrated their resilience and mutual trust.

We had trust in each other. I’m very proud of how we stayed strong and trusted the process the whole time.

Chelsea Gray, Aces player

The Mercury, who had shown great momentum, couldn’t stop the Aces. The Las Vegas team took a close victory in Game 1, dominated in Game 2, and secured Game 3 with a game-winning shot by Wilson in the last second. In Game 4, the Aces were never behind, leading by 16 points at halftime and 14 entering the final quarter, despite the ejection of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts. With the assistance of former WNBA player Kristi Toliver, the Mercury attempted a comeback, but the Aces maintained the lead and celebrated their third title, this time on the road. Gray and Jackie Young each scored 18 points and combined for 12 assists, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans contributed 22 points off the bench.

I ended up in the promised land.

Jewell Loyd, Aces player

With Wilson and Young, both former No. 1 draft picks, still in their prime, the Aces have the potential to join the group of teams with multiple WNBA titles. However, this will depend on the permanence of the key players, a question that each team will have to answer in the offseason. 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.

I think they’ll figure it out somehow. I hope so. I haven’t been consulted…

Mark Davis, owner of the Aces

The league’s off-court issues led to boos directed at commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the championship trophy presentation to the Aces and the Finals MVP award to Wilson.

We have great players. You need to treat them like that.

Chelsea Gray, Aces player

The WNBA’s labor issues and free agency movement will unfold in the coming months. In the meantime, the Aces can reflect on everything they experienced and achieved this season.

Good things happen to the right people. And that’s what you see in our locker room today.

A’ja Wilson, Aces player