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.
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
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
Wilson 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 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 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.