Published: Saturday, May 18, 2024
LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will provide a $100,000 sponsorship per year to each Aces Player for the current season and until 2025.
The WNBA has begun an investigation to determine if sponsorships are permitted.
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The Aces have had a few run-ins with the league in the past. The WNBA took away the Aces 2025 first round draft pick and suspended Aces coach Becky Hammon last year for two games because the franchise had violated the league’s rules on player benefits and workplace policy.
Because the Las Vegas authority didn’t orchestrate the sponsorship with the club, it does not violate WNBA salary cap. Other teams will likely raise questions regarding the fairness and spirit of the cap rules.
The authority uploaded a video to X on Friday of Steve Hill, the president and CEO of the authority, telling the players the news in the locker rooms.
Hill, who was introducing the players on video, said: “The Aces are two-time champions.” “We want to make history with them too.”
The players were delighted by the move.
Chelsea Gray, the Aces point guard, said: “The city is Vegas. I have always called it a small big town. They want to do the best they can for their people.” Gray made the statement before Saturday’s home game between the Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks. “They are investing in us, so they have put their money on the line. We’ve done a lot for the city, and we had a great time doing it.
It was an amazing moment for my team and me to see someone actually put money behind us, saying they support and want our back.
According to Spotrac, a website that tracks player salaries and sponsorship, the sponsorship was higher than six Aces players’ earnings.
Kate Martin, a rookie who earns $67,249 per year, said, “Definitely more than what I make.” “I am so grateful. It’s sometimes hard to believe that I am not dreaming. But this is real life, and all of these players have earned it. “I wouldn’t get this bonus if all these players hadn’t played so well in the past few years.”
Even the top players will benefit from $100,000. A’ja and Kelsey Plum, who each earn $200,000, are the top-paid Aces. Gray is just behind them at $196.267.
Alysha, whose annual salary is $110,000, said, “It says a lot about their character that they see our value, and that they help us close the pay gap.” “So, I’m very grateful. I am honored to be able represent this organization and city. They did a lot for us. It was really, truly special.”