Crown them! Las Vegas Aces in dynasty territory with third WNBA title in four years

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Crown them! Las Vegas Aces in dynasty territory with third WNBA title in four years

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Sat, Oct 11, 2025 ·

5 min read

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PHOENIX — The Houston Comets, the Minnesota Lynx and, now, the Las Vegas Aces.

With their third title in four years, the Aces have firmly cemented themselves as one of the WNBA's dynasties. And, by completing a sweep of the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night in the league's first best-of-seven Finals, at a time when the level of play in the WNBA has never been higher, the Aces might just be the best team ever.

They have the best player on the planet in A'ja Wilson , the best facilitator in Chelsea Gray , the best two-way guard in Jackie Young and the best coach in Becky Hammon. Add in a bench that includes former scoring champion Jewell Loyd and sharp-shooter Dana Evans , and they could shatter the WNBA's record for titles won by a single franchise before their reign is over.

"I just think the evolving of the game — I left the game in '14. These players are bigger, stronger, faster and more skilled just than it was 10 years ago," said Hammon, who faced both the Comets and Lynx during her playing career. "Those dynasties laid the groundwork, showed how winning should be done and really gave a lot to the W in so far as history. It's really great to talk about it, but the skill set and the level that these guys are at, to me it's not comparable.

"These ladies are at the top of the game, and it is the best basketball the W has ever seen. From top to bottom."

FINALS MVP: Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson takes honor for second time

In fact, at this rate, the biggest threat to Las Vegas might be the next collective bargaining agreement. The current deal expires Oct. 31.

The Aces are an incredibly tight-knit group — the postgame press conference Friday night with Hammon, Wilson, Gray, Young and Loyd was a hilarious lovefest — and it's hard to imagine them losing their core. But salaries are expected to soar, and every franchise will be throwing money at them. Heck, everyone else on the Las Vegas roster, too.

Not if owner Mark Davis has anything to do with it, however.

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See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with Chelsea Gray #12 and Jewell Loyd #24 after winning Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Las Vegas Aces defeat the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 to win the championship.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates after winning Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Chris Coduto, Getty Images)

Catherine Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, hands the Most Valuable Player award to A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces after winning Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Chris Coduto, Getty Images)

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury during Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Chris Coduto, Getty Images)

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces holds up the championship trophy after winning Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Chris Coduto, Getty Images)

Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with fans after winning Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Chris Coduto, Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders owner and managing general partner and Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis and head coach Becky Hammon speaks to the media following Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces sits with the media during the post-game press conference following Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces speaks to the media following Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces takes a shot in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Mercury during Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

Head coach Becky Hammon and A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces speaks to the media following Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

When Davis bought the Aces in 2021, he did so partly because he thought the players were being short-changed financially and he wanted to change that. Now that the players are about to cash in, Davis will be happy to pay the tab if it means keeping the dynasty going.

"I'm going to keep everybody," Davis told USA TODAY Sports. "We have to see how this all shakes out, but yeah, obviously we want to continue what we're doing it. It would be tough to break it up."

It would be a shame, too. It's hard enough to win one title, let alone enough of them to earn yourself the title of dynasty. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in that position, you do everything in your power to protect it and keep it going for as long as you can.

"I'm grateful to be with this bunch," Wilson said. "And that ain't the alcohol talking."

GAME 4 RECAP: Aces sweep Mercury for third WNBA title in four seasons

Game 2: The Las Vegas Aces' Jewell Loyd (24) and A'ja Wilson (22) celebrate after scoring against the Phoenix Mercury.
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)

Game 2: The Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (22) shoots the ball against the Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas.
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)

Game 2: The Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper (2) drives the ball past Las Vegas Aces guards Jackie Young (0) and Dana Evans (11).
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)

Game 2: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) drives the ball against Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally.
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)

Game 2: Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots a layup against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22).
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) celebrates with teammates after the Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 89-86, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

(Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

Game 1: Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces battles for the ball with Alyssa Thomas #25 and Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Chelsea Gray (12) and A'ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces grab a rebound past DeWanna Bonner (14) and Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) looks to tip a loose ball away from Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33).

(Stephen R. Sylvanie, Imagn Images)

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) shoots against Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4).

(Stephen R. Sylvanie, Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

Game 1: A'ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates after making a basket against the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Megan Gustafson (17) of the Las Vegas Aces.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Satou Sabally (0) of the Phoenix Mercury looks to shoot the ball against NaLyssa Smith (3) of the Las Vegas Aces.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: NaLyssa Smith (3) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts during the third quarter.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Chelsea Gray (12) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts against the Phoenix Mercury during the fourth quarter.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury drives to the basket against Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Alyssa Thomas (25) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball against Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) dribbles against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).

(Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) drives against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2).

(Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

Game 1: Kahleah Copper (2) of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates after her 3-point basket.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the first quarter.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Maddy Westbeld of the Chicago Sky (left) and Rae Burrell of the Los Angeles Sparks look on.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Jackie Young (0) of the Las Vegas Aces reacts in front of Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon looks on.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Dana Evans of the Las Vegas Aces, shoots the ball between Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury grabs a rebound against the Las Vegas Aces.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces shoots the ball against Monique Akoa Makani of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

Game 1: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces grabs a rebound against Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury.

(Ian Maule, Getty Images)

That's what makes this title particularly sweet, because it wasn't that long ago the Aces didn't look like playoff contenders let alone dynasty material.

In an eight-day span after the All-Star break, Las Vegas was walloped twice by the Minnesota Lynx . Not just beaten. Ground into proverbial dust, losing by 31 points the first game and 53 the second.

But the great teams figure things out. The Aces closed the regular season on a 16-game win streak. They would win 25 of their last 28 games, including all four against the Mercury. The 97-86 win over Phoenix on Friday night was their second by double digits in the Finals and fifth in the playoffs.

They joined the Comets as the only WNBA teams to win three titles in four years. The Comets won four in a row from 1997-2000.

"To be here right now, after where we were in May and June, there were a lot of doubts besides in our locker room," Gray said. "We had confidence in each other. I'm just really proud of how we stayed the course and trusted the process the entire time."

While the sweep might suggest otherwise, the Aces had to show that resolve in the Finals.

They led by 20 early in the third quarter Friday night, only to have Phoenix storm back and make a game of it, just as they did in Game 3 . Despite not having Satou Sabally and Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts getting tossed after back-to-back technicals, they got within six points twice in the fourth quarter.

But the Aces are simply too good. Their run will end on their terms, not someone else's.

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"We ran into a really good team," Tibbetts said. "We ran into a team that's been through it together. We ran into a team that had the ultimate belief and trust that they could get it done."

Gray and Young combined for 11 points during a two-minute span to put Las Vegas back up by double digits, 89-78, with 4:26 left. All that was left to do was uncork the champagne and start planning the parade.

"This one hits different because it was different," Hammon said, choking back tears. "There was probably a lot more adversity than any of us anticipated. We're all humans. But humans that wanted to get it right and get it right together."

Get it right they did. And now they're a team for the ages, pushing the bar by which all future WNBA teams will be measured to the highest of heights.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas Aces sweep Mercury, win WNBA championship to cement dynasty

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See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

See the moment the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2025 WNBA championship win

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals

The best photos as Aces, Mercury meet in 2025 WNBA Finals