## Overview The Las Vegas Aces are a professional women’s basketball team competing in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and playing their home games at the Michelob Ultra Arena within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the Aces have rapidly emerged as one of the league’s premier franchises, both on and off the court[1]. Their journey is a compelling blend of relocation, ownership change, and sustained on-court success, making them an intriguing case study in sports business and team building. ## History and Structure Originally founded as the Utah Starzz in 1997, the franchise relocated to San Antonio (becoming the Silver Stars, then the Stars) before moving to Las Vegas in 2018 and rebranding as the Aces[1]. This move made them one of the few WNBA teams not paired with an NBA counterpart, a unique aspect of their organizational model. In 2021, the team was purchased by Mark Davis, owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, signaling a new era of investment and ambition[1]. Davis’s ownership included plans for a new, state-of-the-art training facility, highlighting a business approach that mirrors the technological and infrastructural advancements seen in major men’s sports leagues. ## Key Achievements The Aces’ on-court performance has been nothing short of spectacular in recent years. After reaching the WNBA Finals three times in four years without a title, they broke through in 2022 to capture their first championship[1]. The 2025 season saw them secure their third title in four years, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals and cementing their status as a modern dynasty[4]. Stars like A’ja Wilson (a two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year) and Chelsea Gray have been central to this success, with Wilson leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks during the