Las Vegas Aces: A Modern-Day Dynasty in Women’s Basketball
Against the vibrant backdrop of buskers and bustling Strip traffic, basketball enthusiasts spilled off the sidewalks to catch a glimpse of the Las Vegas Aces—a true modern-day dynasty. In a thrilling display of unity and triumph, the Aces celebrated their third WNBA Championship in four years on October 17, complete with lively signs proclaiming “Three of a Kind” and brooms symbolizing their four-game sweep against the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals.
The streets of Toshiba Plaza were filled with chanting fans, replicas of A’ja Wilson’s signature tambourine and iconic pink wig in hand. The collective excitement created an electric atmosphere, as parents lifted their children onto their shoulders to witness their heroes. One father’s voice rose above the crowd, filled with quiet reverence as he pointed out the star center to his son: “Look buddy, there’s A’ja Wilson.”
Growing a Passionate Fanbase
The Aces have cultivated a remarkable following, and the enthusiasm is infectious. Season ticket holders Hannah and Tiffany Giardina have noticed this growth firsthand since they became fans in 2023.
“What struck me this year was the camaraderie during the first game,” says Hannah. “Everyone was in the concourse, hugging and catching up like old friends. It’s a family atmosphere—you don’t see that everywhere.” The connection among fans is palpable, further solidifying the Aces’ position in the community.
More Than Just Winning
It might be easy to cheer for a championship team, but the Aces and the WNBA offer something more profound. “We had a lot of fans who were already familiar with the WNBA, but as the wins piled up, the fans poured in,” notes Andrea Moodie, a longtime basketball enthusiast. “Once people started to know the players, their stories, and the team’s culture, it became easy to become a fan.”
In a city increasingly known for its sporting scene, the Aces stand out as a symbol of excellence, elevating women’s sports from obscurity to the forefront of public conversation. Their success has ignited a cultural shift in Las Vegas—a transformation that fans like Leandra Galloway feel deeply.
“They’re the team to follow. It’s like being a Lakers fan—you don’t just root for the team; you root for a dynasty,” she says. “You can’t separate this group.”
Foundations of a Dynasty
This rising prominence is not just an overnight phenomenon; it has deep roots. On the collegiate level, UNLV’s Lady Rebels have carved their own successful narrative under the leadership of Lindy La Rocque, three-time Mountain West Coach of the Year. Since taking the helm in 2020, La Rocque has led the team to remarkable achievements, including four consecutive Mountain West regular-season championships.
At the high school level, legends like Karen Weitz have laid the groundwork with over 15 state championships at Cheyenne and Centennial high schools. “When I started coaching in the ‘90s, we didn’t have the talent pool that we do now,” reflects Weitz. “Back then, we were trying to break through a long-standing dominance from Reno, but with hard work and determination, we changed that narrative.”
The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Sports
The arrival of the WNBA in Las Vegas in 2018 marked a significant shift. With Warner Bros. Discovery and MGM Resorts’ backing, the team—not originally from the city—became a vital part of the local sports identity. Owner Mark Davis’s acquisition in 2021 and the appointment of coach Becky Hammon in 2022 further fueled their success and community engagement.
In addition to basketball, women’s sports are experiencing a renaissance in Southern Nevada. The Vegas Thrill recently launched in Major League Volleyball, adding to the excitement surrounding women athletes. Nationally, women’s sports viewership is on the rise, with about 30% of U.S. adults following professional or collegiate women’s sports according to a recent Associated Press poll.
Visibility as a Catalyst for Change
Las Vegas serves as a melting pot of opportunities for women’s sports, evidenced by the impending arrival of The Sports Bra—a sports bar focused exclusively on women’s sports. Founder Jenny Nguyen notes the outpouring of support for her concept, explaining how visible platforms will foster a sense of community around women’s athletics.
“The general public can only see what they see. If they’re not exposed to a lot of women’s sports fandom, they assume it doesn’t exist,” Nguyen says. “Creating dedicated spaces for fans will shift perceptions.” Local fans like Tiffany Giardina and Leandra Galloway are eager for this evolution.
“It’s finally happening! Remember the first championship? I had to beg servers to put the Aces game on at airports. It’s about time our sports culture embraces our team,” Tiffany asserts.
Investment and Growth: A Bright Future
Investment has become crucial in boosting the popularity of the Aces and other women’s sports. The Raiders’ recruitment of Sandra Douglass Morgan, the first Black female team president in NFL history, exemplifies a broader commitment to inclusivity in sports. In addition, a state-of-the-art training facility built for the Aces signals serious investment in women’s athletics.
Fans are noticing the all-in approach, from the production quality of the games to promotional activities surrounding the Aces. “It’s exciting to see women’s sports getting the spotlight they deserve in ways we haven’t experienced before,” Hannah notes, highlighting the growing visibility.
While challenges remain—including ongoing negotiations for equitable player salaries—the future of women’s sports looks promising. “We’re starting to see the benefits of years of systemic barriers being broken down,” Nguyen concludes, underscoring the collective optimism surrounding sports for women.
In the evolving narrative of women’s sports in Las Vegas, the Aces are leading the charge, forging a new legacy with each championship and each cheer from the stands.