Seven dates to watch with defending champion Las Vegas Aces less than six weeks from season-opener
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson hoists the WNBA championship trophy as the team bus drives down Las Vegas Blvd. during the Aces’ championship parade, Friday October 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev. LAS VEGAS - The CBA signed, sealed and delivered, and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces are set to open their season in less than six weeks.
Of the 44-game schedule, here are several dates to keep an eye on: Saturday, May 9 vs. Phoenix - For the third time in four years, the Aces will open the home portion of their schedule with a ring ceremony to commemorate a WNBA championship. And after receiving what should be another diamond-encrusted ring at T-Mobile Arena, the Aces will open the regular season with a rematch against the Phoenix Mercury, who Las Vegas swept 4-0 in the 2025 WNBA Finals.
Saturday, May 23 vs. Los Angeles - Two weeks after receiving their championship rings, a third championship banner will be unveiled in the rafters at Michelob Ultra Arena as the champs will play their first game in their actual home arena. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a replica WNBA Championship banner, before Las Vegas faces former Aces Kelsey Plum, Dearcia Hamby and the Los Angeles Sparks.
Tuesday, June 2 at Los Angeles - In what will be the third meeting against their border rivals in the Western Conference, the Aces will visit the Sparks for the start of the Commissioner's Cup, the first of seven they'll play for the right to compete for the in-season title. The Aces have been to the championship game twice, beating the Chicago Sky in 2022 and losing to the New York Liberty in 2023. The Aces are one of three teams to make it to the Final two times, along with the Liberty and Minnesota Lynx.
Thursday, June 11 at Portland - In what might be more of a monumental game for the Fire, it'll mark the Aces' first game against either of the two expansion teams making their debut this season. The game, which will be part of the Commissioner's Cup, will mark the first time the Fire host a defending WNBA champion. The biggest challenge for the Aces could be focusing on the expansion team and not looking ahead to a showdown with the Minnesota Lynx two nights later in Las Vegas.