“Aces vs Everybody.” That bold declaration, etched on the inside arch of the 2023 WNBA championship rings, wasn’t just a motto—it was a mindset. It captured the swagger and dominance of a franchise that steamrolled its way to back-to-back titles. With A’ja Wilson’s unstoppable presence on the court and Becky Hammon’s masterful tactics from the sideline, the Las Vegas Aces dismantled the New York Liberty in just four games, despite missing two starters. At the time, they weren’t just winning; they were making a statement. But a season later, the headlines told a very different story.

The Aces, once the standard of excellence on the court, found themselves under the league’s microscope. The WNBA launched an investigation into allegations that the team had provided impermissible benefits and skirted the salary cap. Just a week after the inquiry was announced, former Aces star Dearica Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the franchise, adding fuel to an already burning controversy. From unstoppable force to embroiled in off-court drama, the Aces’ dynasty suddenly found itself fighting a battle far beyond the hardwood.

Hamby’s case was based on allegations of discrimination against her for being pregnant when she moved to the Sparks post-2022 title. Off-court issues coupled with the injuries to key players, and the Olympic games in between the season, resulted in the fourth-place finish and falling short of the third title. The side worked hard for the playoff spot after a slow start, and then was undone by the super team in NY. Coach Hammon took a jibe in the shortened season. She said, “It was a long offseason for us…you look at areas that need to change. Areas that need to get better.” But that was not the only thing she kept in mind.

“You don’t forget the wounds. You let the wounds teach you…it’s not just me that it was a long offseason for…” LV Coach continued to comment on her long break. “They’re (Jack, A’, Chels) itching to get back, and just get back to being the Aces.” The franchise is filled with ‘Aces’ – star players and top draw performers, and HC is determined to put the side at the top again. Despite losing a few key players, the Aces are still seen as top contenders for the title. And the coach has a special plan for her side.

Being part of Gregg Popovich’s team, Hammon knows the importance of defense. To add to the team’s offensive flair, the Russian coach is looking to improve on defense. “We’re not in brake mode, we’re in gas pedal mode. I’ve challenged them to be the best defensive team in the league.” She put forward a challenge to her star-studded team.

In 2024, the side led the league in offence with nearly 87 points per game. Defensively, the side was fourth in the league. If the side improves on the defense, specifically with a few offensive players out in the offseason, they could cope with the players lost in the offseason. Becky Hammon continued her idea, “I’m super curious to see how good we can be (Defensively)…we can put a really good defensive group out there who can get multiple stops…it’s a good start. We think we have lots of room to get better.”

The side let go of Kate Martin, Tyffany Hayes, and Sydney Colson in free agency. Kelsey Plum left the side in a mega trade, wherein the Aces received Jewell Loyd and Aaliyah Nye (drafted as the 13th overall pick in 2025) from the trade. With few offensive pieces out and new faces on the side, tightening the defense will be a smart move for LV.

Players like Aja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Jawel Loyd can score on a fast break. More defensive stops will allow more chances to score at the opposite end.

A’ja Wilson, Becky Hammon, and Las Vegas Aces aiming title in 2025

After the title in 2023, LV Aces owner Mark Davis said. “We are Back. Not only are we back, we’re back-to-back World Champions. All I can say is let’s three-peat.” The dream is unfulfilled. Only the Seattle side had managed to win the title three seasons in a row. Aces, who remained a force to reckon with since moving back to Vegas in 2018, went close to breaking into that exclusive list.

The side played in six postseasons, 3 WNBA finals, winning two titles. Coach Hammon wants more, though; even so, she is not thinking about moving to the NBA. Many analysts put Becky Hammon’s name forward for the San Antonio Spurs HC position after Gregg Popovich stepped down. When asked about the mega opportunity, Hammon mentioned that it’s not the time – “If I were to ever make that jump again, it just has to be the right fit, right time” Hammon said, “in front of the right people, with the right team,” Right now for her the right team is LV Aces. And for stars on the side?

“I still feel like I have a chip on my shoulder, I still feel like I have a lot to prove.” 2024 scoring leader Wilson said in a recent interview. “The ‘good’ is cool, but I wanna be great. I wanna be legendary.” With many star rookies entering the league, A’ja has a point to prove, and the only way to prove her command is by winning the titles, showing up. A’ja Wilson already has two WNBA championships in her name, but you didn’t expect her to be satisfied now, did you?