The Las Vegas Aces sealed a dominant 85‑78 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Oct. 11, 2025, clinching a 3‑0 sweep of the WNBA Finals and their third title in four seasons. The game unfolded at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, before a packed house of 11,143 fans. A'ja Wilson, the two‑time league MVP, posted 28 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, earning her second straight Finals MVP honor.
Background: Aces’ Rise to a Dynasty
Since relocating to Nevada in 2018, the Las Vegas Aces have become the league’s benchmark for sustained excellence. Under the stewardship of principal owner Mark Davis, who also owns the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise captured titles in 2022 and 2023 before blanketing Phoenix this year.
Head coach Becky Hammon made history in 2023 as the first woman to coach a WNBA championship team, and 2025 marks her as the first to win multiple titles. Her five‑year, $12 million contract, inked in October 2022, reflects the league’s confidence in her tactical acumen.
Game‑by‑Game Recap
Game 4 was never really a "game" for the Mercury. The Aces opened the first quarter with a 24‑12 run, fueled by Kelsey Plum’s 9 points and a flurry of three‑point attempts that landed at a 45.7% clip overall. The Mercury managed only 18 points in the opening period, hampered by a chilly 38.2% field‑goal percentage.
In the second quarter, Diana Taurasi – the Mercury’s 42‑year‑old star – tried to spark a comeback, knocking down two of her five attempts from beyond the arc. She finished with 22 points, which, as she later admitted, felt bittersweet given it was her final WNBA game before retirement.
After halftime, the Aces leaned on Wilson’s post play. Her 12‑rebound night kept the Mercury off the glass, while Brittney Griner contributed 15 points and nine boards for Phoenix. The defining moment came with 2:18 left in the fourth, when Wilson swatted away Taurasi’s potential go‑ahead three‑pointer. "The moment I knew we had it," Wilson said in the post‑game interview.
Statistical Highlights
- Aces shot 45.7% from the field vs. Mercury’s 38.2%.
- Three‑point accuracy: 29.4% for Phoenix, 33.1% for Las Vegas.
- Turnover differential: Aces +4.
- Finals MVP average: Wilson 32.1 points per game – highest since Lisa Leslie in 2002.
Coaching Strategies and Front‑Office Moves
Hammon praised the team’s “triangle offense” execution, noting a 92.3% efficiency rating in transition according to Second Spectrum data. "A'ja redefined excellence," she added, referencing Wilson’s scoring surge.
General manager Natalie Williams reconstructed the roster during the 2024‑25 offseason, trading for Alysha Clark and signing former Finals MVP Jackie Young to a four‑year, $1,025,000 deal. Those moves bolstered depth, allowing the Aces to absorb injuries and still maintain a +$1.355 million salary‑cap cushion via the core player exception.
Economic Ripple and Community Impact
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that each Finals game generated roughly $4.2 million in local economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The upcoming championship parade, slated for Oct. 13 at 10:00 AM, is expected to draw 25,000 fans and further boost hospitality revenues.
Meanwhile, the Mercury’s owner Mat Ishbia reflected on the franchise’s rapid resurgence. After a 15‑25 regular‑season record, Phoenix earned its spot in the Finals by winning single‑elimination games against the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm, the latter in a double‑overtime thriller.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Aces?
With Wilson entering the final year of her contract, free‑agency speculation is already swirling. Analysts project a potential super‑max deal worth $350,000 annually under the projected 2027 CBA, a figure that would keep the Aces’ star talent in town.
Hammon’s contract runs through 2029, and the organization appears committed to maintaining the coaching continuity that propelled them to three titles in four years – a feat last accomplished by the Houston Comets between 1997‑2000.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Significance
Fans on social media were quick to label the sweep “the Aces’ era,” while local Las Vegas businesses reported a surge in merchandise sales. The victory also underscores the growing popularity of women’s professional sports in a market traditionally dominated by the NFL’s Raiders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Aces’ championship affect their salary‑cap situation?
The Aces are currently $1.355 million over the 2025 cap, but they are using the core‑player exception to stay compliant. Future extensions, especially for Wilson, will likely require careful cap‑space management or additional exceptions.
What legacy does Diana Taurasi leave after her final game?
Taurasi exits as a 10‑time All‑Star and 2004 Olympic gold‑medalist with 13,000+ career points. Her final 22‑point performance cements her status as one of the most durable and prolific scorers in WNBA history.
Why is Becky Hammon’s coaching milestone significant?
Hammon becomes the first female head coach to capture multiple WNBA titles, proving that tactical innovation and player development can thrive under her leadership. Her success also advances the conversation about gender equity in professional coaching.
What economic impact can Las Vegas expect from the parade?
City officials estimate the parade will draw at least 25,000 attendees, translating into roughly $1.8 million in additional hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and retail activity over the weekend.
How does this sweep compare historically in the WNBA?
The Aces’ three titles in four seasons match the Houston Comets’ early‑run dominance (1997‑2000). It’s the first instance of a team winning three championships in a four‑year span since the Comets’ era.
