• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 20, 2025

Las Vegas Aces Cut GM Amid Front-Office Restructuring

  • The Aces failed to finish first in their conference for the first time since 2019.
  • The team faces a lawsuit brought by former player Dearica Hamby.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Aces have opted not to renew the contract of GM Natalie Williams, the team announced Saturday. The team said the decision is part of a “restructuring of the front office.” 

After winning back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, Williams’s first two years as GM, expectations were again high for the Aces heading into 2024. The team—with a stacked roster featuring MVP A’ja Wilson and fellow U.S. Olympians Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young—was the preseason favorite to win the league. After coming in second in the Western Conference standings, their first sub-first-place finish since 2019, the Aces fell to the New York Liberty in the WNBA semifinals. 

Las Vegas team president Nikki Fargas alluded to its heightened ambitions in a press release, stating: “We are incredibly grateful for Natalie’s invaluable efforts in helping build the Aces into the premier franchise in the WNBA.”

In turn, Williams thanked majority owner Mark Davis and the organization, adding, “I love the WNBA, and it has been wonderful watching the growth of the game. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.” 

Despite the Aces’ on-court disappointment, their biggest missteps may have come off it. In 2023, former player Dearica Hamby accused the team of discriminating against her—and ultimately trading her—after she became pregnant. After an investigation, the league docked the Las Vegas’s 2025 first-round pick and suspended head coach Becky Hammon for two games. But in August, Hamby sued the team and the league, arguing the punishment was insufficient. 

Still, the loss of a pick could come back to bite the team. Plum, the Aces’ second-leading scorer, is one of four unrestricted free agents this offseason. The team is also set to lose another player via the WNBA expansion draft to the Golden State Valkyries, who hired Las Vegas assistant Natalie Nakase as head coach.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kevin Durant

Durant’s $30M Discount Still Makes Him Highest NBA Career Earner

The deal will put Durant at $598 million in career earnings.
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Jon Ledecky

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.
Dave Checketts

Ex-Knicks President: When David Stern Accused Me of Skirting Cap

The Knicks walked away clean when accused of cap circumvention in the 1990s.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.
October 9, 2025

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.