The Las Vegas Aces enter a pivotal offseason after their pursuit of a fourth WNBA championship in five years ended with a semifinal sweep by the Golden State Valkyries. With the 2027 season scheduled to begin in May, the franchise must navigate a series of roster and financial decisions that could reshape its direction.
Las Vegas finished the 2026 season $132,073 over the $7 million salary cap while carrying 14 players due to injuries to forwards NaLyssa Smith and Janiah Barker. For 2027, the Aces have five players under contract — A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Dana Evans and Barker — accounting for $4,227,600 of the projected $8.25 million cap. Depth became a significant issue late in the season following Smith's injury and Evans' ongoing availability concerns, prompting the team to sign Mai Yamamoto and Kalani Brown.
Several key contributors are set to hit free agency, including Smith, Kierstan Bell, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Brianna Turner, Stephanie Talbot and five-time All-Star Jackie Young. Young, who averaged 18.9 points, 6.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds last season, earned $1.19 million on a one-year deal and could command a raise. Las Vegas was the only WNBA team with three players earning over $1 million in 2026, with Wilson, Gray and Young consuming more than half the cap.
The 2027 free-agent class includes notable names such as Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Mitchell, Kelsey Plum and Brittney Griner. Griner, who averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 2026 with a $1.19 million cap hit, could provide frontcourt depth alongside Smith if re-signed. Golden State's Kayla Thornton, an unrestricted free agent known for her defense, recorded 29 steals and 11 blocks last season while averaging 5.7 rebounds during the Valkyries' run to the Finals.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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