Last year, in the middle of the season, the Las Vegas Aces looked down and out. On August 2, 2025, the Aces suffered a crushing defeat against the Minnesota Lynx. Losing by 53 points, most critics thought that Las Vegas was done for the season. Surprisingly, it was from the next game onwards, A’ja Wilson and co. turned things around and went on to win the championship.
Following a stellar performance, Wilson won TIME’s 2025 Athlete of the Year award. Not only that, turning around the season like that spoke a lot about how strong the team’s mental strength was under the coaching of Becky Hammon. Now, as they tip off the 2026 season against the Phoenix Mercury, the search for a consecutive title will be on.
How Are The Las Vegas Aces Shaping Up Ahead Of Their Season Opener?
Having won three WNBA titles in four years, Hammon and co. are looking to continue their surge. And their performance ahead of the 2026 regular season has been quite phenomenal. Although they lost against the Dallas Wings, Las Vegas beat the Japan national team earlier. However, the loss against the Wings won’t bother the team much because regular-season and preseason games are completely separate ball games altogether.
Now, looking at their past offseason, the team has managed to bring back 90% of its scoring prowess (75.5 of 83.6 PPG). The Vegas front office has also done a remarkable job of building a stellar team. The addition of the 27-year-old Chennedy Carter might turn out to be a masterstroke. With her dynamic playing style, Carter will be the primary ball-handler and playmaker off the bench to aid Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.
Never quit. Never settle. 𝙉𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙊𝙇𝘿. ♠️
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 9, 2026
Title defense starts tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/yID1hirMxA
Next up, another big addition to the team has been Stephanie Talbot. Holding a career average of 4.3 ppg, the 6-foot-2 star will bolster the team’s shooting significantly. After all, having a 42.3% shooting from the floor and 35.1% from the three-point range is quite remarkable.
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Brianna Turner, too, is a value addition. Renowned for her iron defense, a lot of expectations will be on Turner, who joins Las Vegas in her eighth season. Apart from the new additions, Hammon will also have her usual firepower supporting her quest. Vegas’ core, consisting of Wilson, Young, Gray, and Jewell Lloyd, is one of the league’s most daunting starting fives.
Meanwhile, with the Aces looking sharp, the Phoenix Mercury, too, are coming in with a lot of firepower.
Will The Phoenix Mercury Be Able To Avenge The 2025 Loss?
Before Las Vegas steps onto the hardcourt, Saturday’s season opener will be preceded by a championship ceremony. And that’s not all. The initial 7500 fans coming in will receive a custom-made ‘Three of a Kind’ Aces flag to commemorate their victory. Now, looking at all this glitz and glamor, Mercury will not be very pleased. After all, Phoenix will be reminded of their 0-4 loss in the WNBA finals.
Trying to turn around their fortunes this time, Phoenix is coming off a stellar preseason. In their first game on April 25, they beat the Chicago Sky 108-104. Next up, Mercury also dominated the Japanese national team 855-60, making it two-in-two. Speaking about the roster, the front office has kept its core from last season.
“We’re definitely going to play defense on this team.”
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 9, 2026
Alyssa Thomas says the Mercury’s defensive potential could be “scary” as Phoenix prepares to open the 2026 season in Las Vegas.
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The likes of DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Mack, and Kahleah Copper will all come back this season. However, the team suffered some telling blows as Lexi Held, Satou Sabally, and Kalani Brown all departed in free agency. Trying to make up for the loss, the team has made some significant additions to its firepower. Chloe Bibby, Noemie Brochant, Quionche Carter, Jovana Nogic, Marta Suarez, and Peyton Williams are all expected to provide Phoenix with the winning edge.
Ahead of the season opener, the team also has a couple of injury woes to worry about. While Sami Whitcomb (left knee) will await an update in a month, Kathryn Westbeld, unfortunately, misses the entire season with right ACL complications.
Thus, with both teams shaping up nicely, the quest for the Aces’ consecutive championship will not be an easy one.