May 20th 2024.
On May 17, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority made an exciting announcement - they would be sponsoring the Las Vegas Aces players! And not only that, but they would be awarding each player on the team with a whopping $100,000, in addition to their regular salary. This news was met with much enthusiasm and gratitude from the players and fans alike. However, just a day later, the WNBA announced that they would be investigating the team, causing some members of the team and WNBA supporters to push back.
According to The Athletic, Aces superstar A'ja Wilson and head coach Becky Hammon held a press conference on May 18 to address the investigation. Both expressed their confusion and frustration with the league's regular investigations of their franchise. Hammon went as far as to call the investigation "odd" and questioned the LVCVA's tactics of contacting individual players' agents instead of just the top two players. Wilson also spoke out, questioning the league's commitment to growing the game.
"I don't understand this investigation," the two-time WNBA MVP stated. "I haven't had the chance to dive into it yet. It's just another thing in the life of the Aces. We can never just start off on a normal note. There's always something, and that's okay."
Wilson continued, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and making progress for the league. "We're talking about growing the game and taking the next step. It can't always be investigate, investigate, investigate. We need to focus on making things better for franchises, players, and teams. I'm grateful to be a part of a franchise and a city that constantly pushes us to do more. They want us to just play, win, and have fun."
The controversy surrounding the investigation was sparked by a tweet from the Las Vegas Visitors Authority on May 17, announcing their groundbreaking decision to sponsor every single player on the Aces roster. This type of sponsorship deal had never been done before, and the city was proud to make history. However, it seems that this deal may have been arranged without the knowledge of the team and was a way to comply with WNBA rules, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In a video posted by the City of Las Vegas on Twitter, it was revealed that the team would be required to attend certain events and wear branded gear to promote the city. This deal bears similarities to an NIL deal, which Wilson's former college coach Dawn Staley jokingly pointed out in a comment on the city's announcement. LVCVA CEO Steve Hill also clarified that this agreement falls in line with similar arrangements they have with over 100 other influencers, including former NFL player Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.
One aspect of the deal that could potentially cause issues with the league is Hill's statement to the team in the locker room, where he expressed his desire for the team to simply play well and represent the city proudly. The Las Vegas Review-Journal refers to the WNBA's CBA, which prohibits teams or team affiliates from entering into agreements where a sponsor or business partner pays or agrees to pay compensation for basketball services to a player under contract with the team.
However, Hill remains confident that this deal will ultimately benefit the players of the Aces. "This is a sponsorship agreement with the players of the Aces. When I said we think this is a good deal for us, I meant it," he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "It is our job, and we think that's going to easily prove out." He also addressed the issue of pay discrepancy in the WNBA, stating, "I think everyone understands the moment. Everybody understands this pay discrepancy. What we're able to do matters to the Aces. I think everyone is going to be happy that this elevates the Aces and elevates all of us."
In other news, Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray recently announced that she and her wife are expecting their first child. This exciting news adds to the already positive energy surrounding the team and their city.
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