The 2026 WNBA season is here, and the Las Vegas Aces are right where everyone expects them to be: in the spotlight, raising another championship banner, and carrying the weight of being the league's team to beat. As they tip off against the Phoenix Mercury—a squad still smarting from being swept in the 2025 Finals—opening night feels less like a regular-season game and more like a statement. It's a powerful reminder of how far the Aces have come and the immense pressure that comes with staying on top.
At the heart of it all is a core that's become synonymous with success. A'ja Wilson, the undeniable face of the franchise, leads a lineup packed with elite talent and veteran savvy in Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd. But this year's squad isn't just about star power. The front office has quietly added serious depth with Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot, while Chennedy Carter brings a fresh scoring spark that could make this offense even more dangerous. In this preview, we'll break down how the Aces got here, what their championship pedigree means, and what fans can expect from their 2026 campaign.
It's not just about winning games anymore—it's about keeping that championship edge while the rest of the league reloads and closes the gap. The preseason already gave us a glimpse of both the fire and the friction, from Carter's high-energy play to some shooting struggles against the Dallas Wings. That's why this opener matters so much. It's the first real test of whether the Aces can maintain their dominance in a league that's only getting better.
The formula is familiar, but the fit is still a work in progress. Wilson remains the team's anchor, and her two-way brilliance sets the ceiling for everything they can achieve. Gray orchestrates the offense with precision, Young provides steady leadership, and Loyd adds another layer of scoring punch. With Turner and Talbot in the mix, head coach Becky Hammon is clearly doubling down on defense—a focus that could be the key to another deep playoff run.
For fans and players alike, the Las Vegas Aces have built a legacy that's as much about grit as it is about glory. And in 2026, they're ready to prove it all over again.