Las Vegas Aces Honor Three Titles Before Blowout Season Opener

The Las Vegas Aces kicked off their 2026 WNBA season with a championship ring ceremony on Saturday. Held at T-Mobile Arena, the pregame celebration honored their third title in four years. The festivities, however, were short-lived. The Phoenix Mercury, last season's Finals opponents, arrived with something to prove and delivered a resounding 99–66 blowout to open the new campaign.

Inside the Aces' 2026 Championship Ring Design

The ring, created in collaboration with The Champions Collective, is the centerpiece of a historic moment for the franchise. It features the iconic Aces logo encircled by the words WORLD CHAMPIONS rendered in diamonds. Three championship trophies from 2022, 2023, and 2025 sit atop four custom-cut baguette diamonds. Seventeen black diamonds rise within the logo, honoring the team's third title and their 17 consecutive wins during the championship run.

The ring also breaks new ground in design, featuring a removable fashion ring built into the ring top, a first of its kind. "A ring top featuring three beautiful one-carat diamonds to commemorate their three titles opens up to reveal a bespoke fashion ring, the first of its kind," said Chris Poitras, SVP and GM of The Champions Collective. Owner Mark Davis added: "This ring is a testament to what the 2025 Las Vegas Aces accomplished, and a reminder that each one of them is a champion, both on and off the court."

Phoenix Mercury Dominate with Five Double-Digit Scorers in Blowout

Despite the ceremony's pomp, the Aces struggled to shift into game mode. The Mercury attacked from the opening possession. They shared the ball, converted open perimeter shots, and exposed Las Vegas defensively.

Every Phoenix starter finished in double figures.

Alyssa Thomas led all scorers with 20 points. Jovana Nogic delivered a standout debut with 19 first-half points. Natasha Mack contributed a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. A'ja Wilson paced the Aces with 19 points.

Two Aces players were ruled out: Dana Evans with a left leg injury and Janiah Barker in concussion protocol. The first 7,500 fans received an Aces-branded Three of a Kind flag, echoing the 2025 championship celebration.

Wilson and Hammon Speak Out After Opening Night Loss

Postgame, several Aces spoke candidly about the defeat. Wilson acknowledged Phoenix's firepower: "They are threats on all three levels when it comes to any position, honestly." She was also blunt about the defensive lapses: "Defensively, I feel like the league is too good, particularly Phoenix is too good, if they're getting wide-open looks."

Wilson also expressed mixed feelings about pregame ceremonies. "I hate these ceremonies like this," she said. "It's very hard to separate emotions on both sides." Head coach Becky Hammon echoed fitness concerns, noting the team has been "working our conditioning" and that "the defense, it looks like we haven't worked on it." NaLyssa Smith urged calm: "This is one game of 40-something games, so just not panicking early and just sticking together."