From Utah to Nevada: The Remarkable Evolution of the Las Vegas Aces
In short: The Las Vegas Aces are a WNBA powerhouse, but their journey began as one of the league's original eight franchises in 1997. After years of instability and relocation, the team transformed from a struggling Utah squad into a three-time champion, marking one of the most significant turnarounds in professional basketball history.
The franchise debuted as the Utah Starzz in 1997, owned by Larry H. Miller. Despite the presence of center Natalie Williams, who earned first-team All-WNBA honors from 1999 to 2001, the team struggled to find consistent success. Following the 2002 season, the franchise was sold to Peter Holt and relocated to San Antonio, Texas, where it was rebranded as the Silver Stars. This era saw a dramatic shift in 2007 with the acquisition of point guard Becky Hammon, who led the team to its first WNBA finals appearance in 2008.
Following Hammon's retirement in 2014, the team entered a period of decline, posting the league's worst record from 2015 to 2017. A pivotal change occurred when MGM Resorts International purchased the team and moved it to Paradise, Nevada, for the 2018 season. Renamed the Las Vegas Aces, the organization immediately signaled a new direction by drafting A’ja Wilson with the first overall pick. Wilson’s impact was instantaneous, as she secured Rookie of the Year honors in her debut season.
The modern era of the Aces reached its zenith after Becky Hammon returned to the franchise as head coach in 2022. Under her leadership, the team achieved unprecedented success, capturing WNBA championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025. This dominant run solidified the Aces' status as a premier organization, characterized by high-level talent and a strategic culture that successfully navigated the challenges of its previous iterations in Utah and San Antonio.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Las Vegas Aces | History, Players, Championship, & Facts | Britannica
- Also: Las Vegas Aces
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