The basketball franchise that survived relocation and ownership shifts
In short: Before they were the Las Vegas Aces, they were the San Antonio Stars. From their origins as the Utah Starzz to a high-stakes move to Texas, this franchise's journey is a masterclass in navigating the volatile shifts of professional sports ownership and geography.
The franchise began in 1997 as the Utah Starzz, one of the WNBA's eight original teams. While they shared a naming inspiration with the NBA's Utah Jazz, their early years were marked by struggle, including the league's worst record in 1997. However, they did achieve a historic milestone by drafting Margo Dydek, a 7-foot-2-inch center who became the tallest player in WNBA history.
A pivotal shift occurred following the 2002 season. When the NBA decided to divest from its WNBA franchises, the Utah Jazz ownership declined to retain the Starzz. After failing to find local buyers in Utah, the team was saved from folding when Peter Holt, owner of the San Antonio Spurs, purchased the franchise. This led to their relocation to San Antonio, where they initially competed as the Silver Stars.
The San Antonio era was defined by periods of intense rebuilding and sudden brilliance. After several losing seasons between 2003 and 2006, the team transformed into a powerhouse in 2007, reaching the Western Finals. This era featured legendary players like Becky Hammon and Sophia Young. The team eventually reached the WNBA Finals in 2008, though they were swept by the Detroit Shock.
The franchise's Texas chapter ended in 2017. After MGM Resorts International purchased the franchise, the squad shifted to Paradise, Nevada, rebranding as the Las Vegas Aces starting in 2018. Throughout their time in San Antonio, the team played primarily at the AT&T Center, though they briefly moved to the Freeman Coliseum in 2015 during arena renovations.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: San Antonio Stars
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