The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has announced a groundbreaking sponsorship deal with each Aces player worth $100,000 annually for the current season and 2025. This move has been met with enthusiasm from the players, with point guard Chelsea Gray praising the city’s commitment to supporting them. The authority’s president and CEO, Steve Hill, personally delivered the news to the players in the locker room, highlighting the Aces’ success in recent years and expressing a desire to be a part of their historic journey.
While the sponsorship does not violate the WNBA’s salary cap rules because it was not arranged directly with the club, there are concerns about the potential impact on the league’s competitive balance. Other teams may question the fairness of the sponsorship and its implications for free agent signings. The significant financial support provided by the authority could give the Aces a competitive edge in attracting top talent, particularly if other teams are unable to match the financial offering.
For many Aces players, the $100,000 sponsorship represents a significant increase in earnings. Some players, such as rookie Kate Martin, earn less than the amount provided by the sponsorship. Despite their lower salaries, players like Martin express gratitude for the support and recognition of their contributions to the team’s success. Even the highest-paid Aces players, like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, see the sponsorship as a positive step towards closing the pay gap and acknowledging their value both on and off the court.
Alysha Clark, whose salary is listed at $110,000, emphasizes the importance of the sponsorship in recognizing the players’ worth and enabling them to give back to the community. She views the support from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as a symbol of the city’s appreciation for the Aces’ efforts and success. This gesture has created a sense of pride and honor among the players, who are eager to continue representing the organization and the city with dedication and passion.
Overall, the sponsorship deal between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Aces has sparked excitement and gratitude among the players. While it raises questions about competitive balance and salary disparities within the league, the players view it as a positive development that reflects the city’s support for their achievements. As the Aces aim to build on their success and make history, the financial backing from the authority provides them with additional motivation and resources to pursue their goals.
