How long have the Las Vegas Aces been in Vegas?

By Jocelyn Alano March 30, 2024 21:10

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty

The Las Vegas Aces is a professional women's basketball team competing in the Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The Aces currently have a chokehold on the WNBA, dominating the league and winning back-to-back championships to boot.

In this feature, Fan Arch rightfully gives the Las Vegas Aces their flowers, delving into the extensive history of the organization, their relocation to Las Vegas, and their notable achievements during their time in the city.

Early Years and Relocation

The franchise was founded in 1997 as the Utah Starzz, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, before relocating to San Antonio, Texas, in 2003.

After a series of name changes, the team finally settled as the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, following its relocation to Paradise, Nevada, near Las Vegas. The team's home games are played at the Michelob Ultra Arena in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

The Aces have a rich history, having won two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, making them the first team to achieve back-to-back championships since 2001-2002.

Ownership and Management

The Las Vegas Aces are owned by Mark Davis, the current owner of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, and Tom Brady, who holds a minority stake in the team.

The team's president is Nikki Fargas, while the general manager is Natalie Williams.

Becky Hammon, a student of the legendary coach Greg Popovich, serves as the woman at the helm, with Natalie Nakase, Tyler Marsh, and Charlene Thomas-Swinson as her assistants.

Notable Achievements

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The Aces have a remarkable record of accomplishments, including winning the 2022 WNBA Commissioner's Cup and the 2022 and 2023 WNBA Championships.

They also secured a Conference title in 2008 and have produced several high-quality players, such as A'ja Wilson, Becky Hammon, Sophia Young, Ann Wauters, Margo Dydek, and Dearica Hamby.

The franchise has gone to the WNBA Finals four times, clinching victory in 2022 and 2023, and emerging as runners-up in 2008 and 2020.

The Relocation Process

The decision to relocate the team to Las Vegas was initiated after Spurs Sports & Entertainment put the team up for sale following the 2017 season.

The NBA and WNBA approved the sale of the Stars to MGM Resorts, and the team officially moved to Las Vegas ahead of the 2018 season.

The Aces received the first pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft and selected A'ja Wilson from the University of South Carolina, who went on to win the Rookie of the Year award in her debut season.

Recent Developments

In January 2021, Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, purchased the team from MGM Resorts, and the purchase was approved by the league in February 2021.

As a part of the team's development, ground was broken on a state-of-the-art training facility for the Aces in Henderson, Nevada, next to the Raiders facility.

The facility, completed in April 2023, is the first complex built solely for the use of a WNBA team and houses various amenities for the team's training and operations.

Legacy and Future Prospects

The Las Vegas Aces have solidified their position as a dominant force in the WNBA, boasting a strong legacy of achievements and a promising future.

With a dedicated ownership, talented management, and exceptional players, the Aces continue to raise the bar in women's professional basketball.

As the first team to win back-to-back championships in over two decades, the Aces have become a symbol of excellence and determination in the world of women's basketball.

Take a bow, Aces

The Las Vegas Aces have made an indelible mark on the WNBA, particularly during their tenure in Las Vegas.

With their rich history, illustrious achievements, and a commitment to excellence, the Aces stand as a testament to the growth and success of women's basketball, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans alike.