The defending-champion Las Vegas Aces are running it back!
Thus far, the organization appears to have determined that continuity is the best path back to a WNBA championship, as the Aces have not signed or traded for any new players, only re-signed returners.
It’s an approach that is essential, uneventful and (potentially) inadequate. Here’s more on why those three descriptors apply to the Aces’ offseason. And Aces fans, hop in the comments to spill your thoughts on the team’s offseason process.
1. Why the Aces’ offseason has been essential
A’ja’s
back, and that’s all that really matters.
As long as Wilson remains in silver and black, many potential worries are alleviated, as the four-time M’VP has just about confirmed her status as the WNBA GOAT through both her floor-raising and ceiling-lifting two-way talents. The supermax—$1.4 million starting in Year 1—is Wilson’s if she wants it. As her signing has yet to be confirmed, it seems like she might be allowing the organization to take care of the rest of their roster accounting before officially inking her deal.
That accounting has included two more essentials: re-signing Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Young is coming back on a one-year deal at the regular max of $1.19 million, while Gray signed a three-year contract that totals $3 million.
Even with all the activity elsewhere around the league, no team claims a core that can compete with the proven success of A’ja-Jack-Chels.
I’m guessing no will argue that retaining A’ja is unimportant. Does everyone feel the same about Jackie and Chelsea? Do you want to see this trio get as many chances as possible to chase a championship together?
2. Why the Aces’ offseason has been uneventful
Still, fans of every team—even one that is coming off a title—craves the excitement of change. The free agency frenzy has fans feasting for moves.
Why didn’t the Aces trade for Angel Reese or Rickea Jackson? Why couldn’t they lure unrestricted free agents Satou Sabally or Gabby Williams?
The Aces, instead, opted for the familiar, retaining all of Jewell Loyd, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Kierstan Bell. Despite her rougher-than-expected adjustment to a new role, Loyd eventually found her niche, which she will continue to fill on a three-year deal that is worth more than $2.2 million. Parker-Tyus, who played just two regular-season games last season due to maternity leave, is back on a one-year contract. Bell signed a non-guaranteed training camp deal.
Will the Aces continue to re-invest in the group that ended the 2025 WNBA season on a 16-game regular-season winning streak?
The rest of the Aces’ championship contributors—Dana Evans, NaLyssa Smith, Megan Gustafson and Kiah Stokes—all remained unsigned. At this point, it will not be surprising if the majority, if not all, of them are back in Vegas, re-signed for the run-it-back back-to-back campaign.
Sure, it’s not that exciting. But, it could be most effective.
What do you think? Is keeping the same cast a smart strategy? Does everyone who was part of last season’s title deserve an opportunity to be part of the repeat?
3. Why the Aces’ offseason might be inadequate
However, while the Aces appear on track to almost entirely run back a championship-winning team that reeled off a still-active 16-game regular-season winning streak, this same group stumbled through the first half of the 2025 WNBA season.
And stumbled is putting it kindly. The Aces appeared done, doomed by a roster that seemed unable to adequately support Wilson. Vegas hovered around .500, fated for the fringes of the playoffs, until their improbable turnaround.
Based on their offseason approach, it appears the organization believes that the stellar second half, not the forgettable first half, is the real Aces.
And even if that’s true, should the Aces count on staying on top by staying the same? Does going back-to-back require more boldness?
Should the team have sought an upgrade from Loyd, such as a younger player who bring more two-way force? While Gray was great in Unrivaled, should the team have at least considered a younger alternative? Should Vegas have made acquiring a high-caliber frontcourt partner for A’ja, a longstanding need, a priority? And are there still free agents floating out there who could be difference-makers?
Wilson’s excellence should not be an excuse for inactivity. Just because she raises imperfect rosters doesn’t mean the Aces should repeatedly burden her with that task. The Aces want to repeat as champions, not repeat the toll that last season’s struggles took on A’ja.
Are you concerned about the Aces’ approach? Are they too complacent? Should the team be doing something more to guard against another in-season slump? Or, do you think the organization might have tried to make some significant moves, but was just unable to do so?
