2026 Las Vegas Aces preview, projections, and players to watch
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 WNBA season opens with the Las Vegas Aces in a familiar spot: at the center of the league conversation. They are coming off a championship run, they will raise another banner, and they will do it while facing a Phoenix Mercury team eager to answer back after being swept in the 2025 Finals. That makes opening night more than a regular-season game. It is a reminder of where Las Vegas stands and how much pressure comes with that place.
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This Aces team still looks built around the same core that has carried the franchise through its most successful stretch. A’ja Wilson remains the face of the team, with Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd giving Las Vegas elite top-end talent and experience. The roster also has added depth through Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot, while Chennedy Carter has brought another scoring option into the mix. In this article, we will look at how the Aces got here, what their title history says about their standard, and what their 2026 season could look like.
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There is also a clear storyline around identity. The Aces are not just trying to win games again; they are trying to keep their edge while other teams around them have reloaded and pushed to close the gap. Their preseason already hinted at both strengths and concerns, from Carter’s energy to shooting struggles against Dallas. That is why the opener matters so much. It offers the first real look at whether Las Vegas can stay on top while the rest of the league keeps improving.
The Aces enter the year with a familiar formula, but there are still questions about how smoothly the pieces will fit. Wilson remains the most important player on the floor, and the team’s ceiling still starts with her two-way impact. Gray gives the offense structure, Young brings stability, and Loyd adds another layer of scoring. With Turner and Talbot, the Aces also look more serious about the defensive end, which has become a clear point of emphasis for Becky Hammon.
Franchise history
Former Lady Vols basketball player Nikki Fargas smiles while speaking to media before the Celebrating Pat Summitt: A Live Reunion Special at the Tennessee Theatre on Dec. 11, 2025.
The Las Vegas Aces have built themselves into one of the league’s strongest modern franchises. The team’s rise has been marked by stars, steady coaching, and a clear winning culture that has turned Las Vegas into a title expectation market. Their current core has already made the Aces one of the most recognizable teams in the WNBA. That history matters because the standard in Las Vegas is no longer just making noise, but contending every season.
The franchise’s peak has come during this recent championship run, when the Aces became a title favorite year after year. Becky Hammon has played a major role in that rise, and her leadership has helped the team stay organized and aggressive. The group around Wilson has been strong enough to keep them in the championship picture. That is why every new season starts with the same question: can anyone stop Las Vegas?
Past Championship
The Aces are entering 2026 as the defending champions after sweeping Phoenix in the 2025 WNBA Finals. That win was another sign that they remain one of the league’s most complete teams. Their roster has been built to handle pressure, and they have repeatedly shown they can deliver in the biggest moments. They won in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Their recent success also explains why expectations are so high again. The Aces are chasing their fourth title in five years, which shows how dominant this stretch has been. Even with some changes around the margins, the team still carries the profile of a contender. The key difference this season is that they are not sneaking up on anyone anymore. Every team knows what Las Vegas brings.
2026 season projections
The projection for Las Vegas remains simple: they should be right in the title race again. They have the best player in the league in Wilson, a proven playoff coach in Hammon, and a roster that still has championship experience across the board. The additions of Turner and Talbot should help stabilize the rotation, especially on defense and in the little details. Carter gives them another name who could matter if the second unit needs a burst of offense.
May 3, 2026; Austin, TX, USA; Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon yells out to players during the first half against the Dallas Wings at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The preseason gave a mixed preview of what this team might look like. They beat the Japanese National Team by 16 points, and Carter stood out with her pressure and scoring. They also lost to the Dallas Wings, which showed that even this version of the Aces can still be tested when the shot is not falling. That makes the season projection strong, but not automatic. The Aces should win a lot, but they will still have to prove they can stay sharp every night.
Players to watch
A’ja Wilson is still the player everything begins with. She is the league’s most reliable star, and her presence controls both ends of the floor. Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd make the rest of the starting group dangerous because they can all create problems in different ways. If those four stay healthy and connected, Las Vegas will remain hard to beat.
The bench and supporting cast will also matter more than before. Brianna Turner brings defense and paint presence, while Stephanie Talbot offers smart, low-mistake play. Chennedy Carter is the most interesting wildcard because her preseason showed real energy and scoring punch. Janiah Barker is another name to keep in mind as a young forward learning behind veterans. These players may not decide every game, but they could shape how far the Aces go.
What this season means for Las Vegas
May 3, 2026; Austin, TX, USA; Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon during a timeout in the first half against the Dallas Wings at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
This season is about defending a standard, not just defending a title. The Aces have already proven they can win at the highest level, so the challenge now is staying ahead while other teams improve. Phoenix wants revenge, the Liberty remain loaded, and other teams like the Fever and Sparks are being talked about as serious threats. That means Las Vegas cannot rely only on reputation.
The preseason suggested that the Aces still have a championship ceiling, but also that they need the supporting cast to settle quickly. If the new additions fit and Carter gives them real second-unit help, this team can stay near the top of the league. If the offense goes cold or the depth does not hold, the race gets tighter. Either way, the 2026 season begins with the Aces where they have been for years: under pressure, but very much in control of their own path.
Stars in focus
1. A’ja Wilson
Apr 28, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) poses for a photo during the 2026 Las Vegas Aces Media Day.Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn ImagesWilson remains the centerpiece of the Las Vegas Aces heading into the 2026 WNBA season. The four-time MVP averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals during the 2025 season while leading the Aces to another championship.
She impacts both ends of the floor and continues to be the team’s most reliable player in pressure moments. Wilson also enters the season as the favorite to win another MVP award according to the WNBA GM survey. On opening night against Phoenix, Wilson will again be the main focus for the Mercury defense. Her ability to score inside, protect the rim, and control rebounds makes her the most important player in the matchup. Las Vegas will depend on her leadership as they chase a record-breaking 17th straight regular-season win.
2. Jackie Young
Apr 28, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) poses for a photo during the 2026 Las Vegas Aces Media Day.Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Young has become one of the league’s most complete guards and remains a key part of the Aces’ championship core. She averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during the 2025 regular season.
Her versatility allows Las Vegas to play multiple styles, whether that means pushing the pace or controlling half-court offense. Young also delivered major performances during the 2025 Finals, including a 32-point game against Phoenix.
The Aces will again rely on her perimeter scoring and playmaking during the opener. She also gives the team strong perimeter defense, which will be important against Kahleah Copper and Phoenix’s backcourt attack.
3. Chelsea Gray
Apr 28, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) poses for a photo during the 2026 Las Vegas Aces Media Day.Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Chelsea Gray remains the engine of the Aces offense because of her passing and control in big moments. Her chemistry with Wilson and Young continues to shape the team’s offensive rhythm. During preseason play, Gray immediately showed her value with creative passing and ball movement against Dallas.
Las Vegas depends on Gray to organize the offense and create quality shots for teammates. Her experience also helps the Aces stay calm during close games and playoff-level matchups. The team’s assist numbers and offensive flow usually improve when Gray controls the tempo.
Against Phoenix, Gray’s matchup against the Mercury guards will be important. If she can dictate pace and keep the offense balanced, the Aces will have a strong chance to extend their winning streak.
4. Jewell Loyd
Apr 28, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) poses for a photo during the 2026 Las Vegas Aces Media Day.Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Loyd gives Las Vegas another elite scoring option alongside Wilson and Young. The veteran guard averaged 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists entering the 2026 season and brings championship experience to the roster.
Her ability to create shots from the perimeter adds another layer to the Aces offense. Loyd’s scoring threat forces defenses to spread out, which creates more space for Wilson inside. She also has a strong postseason background, including being a former scoring champion and multiple-time All-Star.
The Aces will need her shooting in the season opener, especially after inconsistent three-point shooting during preseason. If Loyd gets into rhythm early, Las Vegas becomes even tougher to defend.
5. Chennedy Carter
Apr 28, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Chennedy Carter (23) poses for a photo during the 2026 Las Vegas Aces Media Day.Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Carter is one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Aces this season. After returning to the WNBA setup, she impressed during preseason by scoring 18 points against the Japanese National Team while adding aggressive defense and transition play.
She also averaged 17.5 points during her previous full WNBA season in Chicago, showing how effective she can be offensively.
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Las Vegas believes Carter can strengthen the second unit and bring more scoring depth off the bench. Her speed and attacking style fit well with the Aces’ fast-paced offense. Against Phoenix, her energy and defensive pressure could become a major factor if the game stays competitive deep into the second half.