The Las Vegas Aces recently agreed to a sponsorship deal that paid each player on the roster $100,000. However, reports indicate that the WNBA is now investigating the sponsorship. We finally know why.
As it turns out, teams around the league are questioning whether or not it's fair for the Aces players to each receive a $100,000 sponsorship deal, according to ABC News. There are concerns the sponsorship deal could mess with the WNBA's salary cap rules.
“The sponsorship does not violate the WNBA's salary cap because the authority did not orchestrate the sponsorship with the club. But other teams are likely to raise questions about the fairness of the sponsorship and whether it violates the spirit of the cap rules. And now, the league has stepped in to look deeper into it.”
It is noteworthy that the deal is worth more than most contracts in the WNBA. So, for that reason, other teams believe the Aces could have huge advantage during free agency. So, it makes sense why other teams around the league are questioning Las Vegas' sponsorship deal.
This isn't the first time the WNBA had to launch an investigation on the Aces. In 2023 the league ended up removing a future first-round pick from the franchise and suspended head coach Becky Hammon for two games over a the team violating league rules.
“Last year, the WNBA took away the Aces' 2025 first-round draft pick and suspended Hammon for two games following the investigation that found the franchise violated league rules regarding impermissible player benefits and workplace policies.”
We'll see how this current investigation plays out. Although the sponsorship deal technically does not violate the league's salary cap rules, it does cause concern that the Aces can run away with it during free agency.
Can the Aces go for the three-peat?
The Aces have won the WNBA Championship two seasons in a row now and are aiming for the three-peat. If they can do that, they'll become just the second franchise in league history to win three in a row. The Houston Comets are the only team to win four straight between 1997-2000.
Las Vegas is currently ranked second in the Western Conference and fifth overall. The season is still young but the Aces are going to want to get hot and secure themselves a spot in the playoffs. Considering they have one of the better rosters in the WNBA they should be able to at least secure a shot at the postseason.
The Aces don't play again until Tuesday, May 21 where they take on the Phoenix Mercury. Look for Las Vegas to extend their record to 3-0 while Phoenix aims to get its first win of the regular season.
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