The Las Vegas Aces, two-time defending WNBA champions, find themselves teetering on the edge of elimination in the playoffs. After dropping the first two games against the New York Liberty, the Aces are down 0-2 and face a do-or-die situation tonight. What’s surprising is that this highly celebrated team, which entered the season as one of the WNBA’s favorites, now finds itself at the center of controversy both on and off the court.

Becky Hammond’s Controversial Comments: In the aftermath of their recent loss to the Liberty, head coach Becky Hammond made headlines with her sharp critique of her own players, suggesting their focus had shifted away from basketball to celebrity status and off-court opportunities. Hammond stated, “The whole league has been pissed off for the last eight months… My players are in commercials, being celebrities, and you get distracted. That’s why it’s hard.” For many, these comments were a stark departure from the team’s previous narrative of empowerment, where players like A’ja Wilson were being celebrated for their rise to stardom.

This remark, particularly after a season where the Aces had been advocating for more media attention and recognition, has been seen as hypocritical. Fans and analysts alike were left questioning why Hammond would blame the spotlight, when it was something the Aces had been pushing for all season. The team even famously donned A’ja Wilson jerseys before one game, signaling their strong support for her MVP-caliber season. Now, as the Aces stumble in the playoffs, Hammond’s sudden change in tone has raised eyebrows across the league.

Locker Room Tensions: The turmoil doesn’t stop with Hammond’s comments. A viral clip from the last game showed Hammond having an intense moment with star guard Kelsey Plum during a heated timeout, sparking speculation about the locker room dynamics. Some fans on social media wondered if the Aces’ chemistry was beginning to unravel, especially with the high stakes of the playoffs. While some saw it as a fiery coaching moment, others expressed concern about the mounting pressure on both Hammond and her players.

Adding fuel to the fire was another video featuring A’ja Wilson making comments about teammate Kelsey Plum and fellow basketball star Paige Bueckers, suggesting they had benefitted from “privilege.” While Wilson’s words may have been intended as a compliment, many interpreted them as a backhanded remark, leading to even more scrutiny around the team’s internal relationships.

Sponsorship and Salary Investigations: Off-court issues have further complicated the Aces’ season. The WNBA is investigating a $100,000 annual sponsorship deal given to each Aces player by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. While players can generally secure outside endorsements, the fact that this deal applies to every player on the roster has raised concerns about whether it violates the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement.

This type of deal could give the Aces an unfair advantage in attracting talent, as players might be more willing to accept lower WNBA salaries knowing they are guaranteed lucrative endorsements from local sponsors. With most Aces players not even making six figures from their WNBA contracts, this deal has sparked major concerns across the league. Asia Wilson and Kelsey Plum, the team’s top earners, each make $200,000 annually, while other key players earn significantly less. The investigation’s outcome could set a precedent for how future endorsement deals are structured for WNBA teams and players, potentially reshaping the league’s salary landscape.

The Dearica Hamby Lawsuit: The Aces have also been dealing with the fallout of the ongoing lawsuit involving former player Dearica Hamby, who alleges that the team discriminated against her following her pregnancy. While this legal battle continues to unfold, it has cast a shadow over the organization’s once-sterling reputation. Many fans and commentators feel that the Aces’ off-court distractions and legal troubles have contributed to their lackluster playoff performance.

A Changing Narrative: It’s hard to ignore the irony that the Aces, who were once one of the most beloved and dominant teams in the WNBA, are now being scrutinized for the very things that helped elevate the league—player empowerment, endorsements, and off-court opportunities. The narrative has shifted dramatically from “Aces vs. Everybody” to “Aces vs. Themselves.”

With the spotlight shining brighter than ever, both fans and critics are left wondering if the Aces can turn things around in time to salvage their season. The team entered the playoffs with high expectations but now faces a possible sweep at the hands of the New York Liberty. Even with a star-studded roster that includes MVPs and Olympians, the Aces find themselves in unfamiliar territory—on the brink of elimination.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only is the future of their playoff run in jeopardy, but the Aces are also facing mounting pressure to navigate the growing criticisms surrounding the team. As Becky Hammond’s job security is subtly questioned in certain circles and with the WNBA coaching carousel already spinning, the outcome of tonight’s game could be pivotal not just for the season, but for the future direction of the franchise.

Whatever happens next, one thing is certain: the Las Vegas Aces are no longer just playing to win—they’re playing to save their reputation.

4o