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

The Las Vegas Aces are 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, solidifying their position as the reigning dynasty in the league. The Aces completed a four-game sweep of the Mercury in the WNBA Finals, the first in league history in a best-of-seven format.

A’ja Wilson, the undisputed star

A’ja Wilson, the Aces superstar and four-time league MVP, led the way in the fourth game, accumulating 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. This earned her the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, after averaging 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks throughout the series.

She’s like Mount Rushmore, but alone on Everest. There’s no one around.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

Wilson, with a touch of humor, brought a pink tambourine to the post-match press conference, adding emphasis to his answers.

This is the symbol of the joy we have right now. And I am grateful.

A’ja Wilson, Aces player

Becky Hammon, who played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2014, stated that the Aces are already one of the biggest franchises in the league.

The evolution of the game… these players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled. Previous dynasties laid the foundation and showed how to win.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

The coach also highlighted that the current skill level is incomparable and that it is a natural evolution for a growing league. The Aces’ season was not an easy road, starting with a .500 record after a 53-point loss. However, a 16-game winning streak at the end of the regular season secured the second seed in the playoffs. The team overcame challenging series before dominating the Finals.

I love being their coach. I love being their friend. Sometimes I push them a little, but I am invested in their greatness.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

Hammon added that this victory is different, highlighting the adversity they faced and the importance of team unity. The team demonstrated its resilience and confidence, overcoming doubts and trusting the process.

The Aces celebrate

The Aces recovered from a difficult start to dominate in the Finals. While the Aces were consolidating, the Mercury reached the Finals with momentum, but the Aces took control. After a close victory in the first game and a comfortable one in the second, Wilson scored the winning shot in the third game. In the fourth game, the Aces never fell behind, leading by 16 points at halftime. Despite the ejection of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts, and a comeback attempt by the Mercury, the Aces maintained their lead and celebrated their third title. Gray and Young each scored 18 points, combining for 12 assists, while Loyd and Evans contributed 22 points off the bench.

I went as written into exile. But I ended up in the promised land.

Jewell Loyd, Aces playerWith Wilson and Young, still at their best, the Aces aim to join the select group of teams with four WNBA titles.

Almost all non-rookie contract players will be free agents for the 2026 season. Before free agency begins, the league and the players’ union must agree on a new collective bargaining agreement and conduct expansion drafts for Portland and Toronto, two new franchises in 2026.

The league’s off-field issues led to boos directed at commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the trophy presentation.

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

Chelsea Gray, Aces player

Labor issues and the free agency movement in the WNBA will unfold in the coming months. In the meantime, the Aces can reflect on what they 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