Phoenix Mercury Spoil Ring Ceremony Vibes, Take Down Las Vegas Aces In Home Opener

Melanie VanDerveer The Las Vegas Strip was buzzing with excitement as the 30th WNBA season began for the Aces on Saturday afternoon. The Las Vegas Aces tipped off their first home game of the season in front of an energized crowd at T-Mobile Arena, but it was a tough opening chapter for the 2025 champions, who faced Finals rival the Phoenix Mercury and came up short. The Aces 2026 Season Began With A Championship Ring Ceremony Melanie VanDerveer Just ahead of the home opener, the Aces celebrated with a pregame championship ring ceremony to honor their third title.

To help celebrate the occasion, the first 7,500 fans into the arena were given an Aces-branded “Three of a Kind” flag that replicates the shirts and signage seen during the 2025 championship celebration last October. “This ring is a testament to what the 2025 Las Vegas Aces accomplished — and a reminder that each one of them is a champion, both on and off the court , ” Mark Davis, Owner of the Las Vegas Aces said. The 2025 championship ring features the iconic Aces logo, encircled by the WORLD CHAMPIONS title in diamonds.

According to a press release sent to The Blast from the Aces organization, “Crowning the design, the 2022, 2023, and 2025 WNBA trophies stand tall, each set with a large diamond to commemorate three championships in four years. ” There are four custom-cut baguette diamonds beneath each trophy and 17 black diamonds that symbolize the team’s ascent to their third title and honor the 17 consecutive wins that helped them reach a historic and unforgettable championship run. Revenge In Vegas: Phoenix Mercury Crash Aces’ Opening Night Melanie VanDerveer To kickoff the season, the Aces faced the Mercury, who they went 3-1 against in 2025, winning the last three matchups before sweeping the Mercury 4-0 in the WNBA Finals in October.

Two Aces players were listed as out for this game – Dana Evans for left leg and Janiah Barker for concussion protocol. The Mercury came back with a vengeance after last season’s Finals sweep by the Aces, opening the 2026 season with a 99–66 blowout. The Aces were led by A’ja Wilson with 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with 20 points.