• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

With New $1M Coach, Aces Poised for 1st WNBA Title

  • The Aces tip off Becky Hammon’s highly anticipated first WNBA season against the Mercury on Friday.
  • There’s no shortage of expectations: Las Vegas (+350) is the favorite to win the 2022 WNBA title.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The city of Las Vegas has yet to win a title since the Golden Knights became the first pro team to move there in 2017 — but behind new coach Becky Hammon, the Aces should give Nevadans renewed hope.

The Aces tip off Hammon’s highly anticipated first WNBA season against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday — and there’s no shortage of expectations for the 2020 Finals runners-up.

An assistant coach for eight years with Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs, Hammon brings championship pedigree to the team with the league’s fourth-highest payroll ($1.2M)

  • Hammon became the first WNBA coach to earn a $1 million salary.
  • She was the first woman to ever coach an NBA game after Popovich was ejected in Dec. 2020.
  • The Aces lost All-Star center Liz Cambage, but re-signed 2020 MVP A’ja Wilson (2 YRs, $398,000).

Of course, Hammon’s $1 million contract came with plenty of controversy — she makes almost as much as the entire team’s payroll. The WNBA felt the high salary was a step in the right direction, but Cambage slammed the deal in light of how poorly players are paid.

But ultimately, the Aces spent well, forming one of the toughest backcourts in the league with Kelsey Plum ($196,267) and Chelsea Gray ($180,250). 

With Wilson re-upping and Hammon at the helm, Vegas might finally raise its first banner — the Aces (+350) are favorites to win the 2022 WNBA title.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Kia Nurse (11) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the second half at United Center.

Fever-Sky Draws 1.5M Viewers Despite Clark, Reese Absences

Clark and Reese both missed the game due to injury.

How Sports Leagues Are Responding to NFL Headquarters Shooting

The building housing the NFL headquarters was barricaded and closed Tuesday.
Jul 22, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (not in uniform) celebrates from the bench in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

Man Who Stalked Clark Gets 2 Years in Prison

He sent more than 800 messages and visited Indianapolis to see Clark.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Jun 10, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever injured guard Caitlin Clark (22) follows the action from the bench against the Atlanta Dream during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
July 24, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Injury Not Worse, but Status for Chicago, Dallas Unclear

Clark has been out since suffering a groin injury on July 15.
July 29, 2025

Mario Lemieux Trying to Reacquire Penguins 4 Years After Selling

The former NHL great looks to return to team ownership.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 9, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) hugs guard Leila Lacan (47) after a play against the Seattle Storm in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
July 24, 2025

Sun Will Play in Connecticut Next Year Amid Relocation Rumors

The team told season-ticket holders they’ll stay for 2026.
July 23, 2025

Packers Hit Record $719M in Revenue, Riding NFL’s Growth Wave

The NFL team’s annual revenue and operating profit both grow strongly.
Jul 11, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm guard Tiffany Mitchell (25) drives around Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow (24) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena.
July 23, 2025

NFL Star Bobby Wagner Takes Ownership Stake in Seattle Storm

Sue Bird joined the ownership group last year.
Jul 23, 2025; Ashburn, VA, USA; A view of a Washington Commanders team flag flying in front of team headquarters on day one of training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park.
July 23, 2025

D.C. Nears Commanders Stadium Vote Amid Trump’s Name Push

Local government leaders try to stay focused on completing the stadium pact.