Controversy brews as A'ja Wilson and Aces receive $1,300,000 windfall despite ongoing WNBA investigation

A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces players have received another sponsorship deal from the city's tourism authority despite an ongoing investigation by the WNBA over its propriety.

Callie Fin of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Monday that the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority entered a sponsorship deal with the Aces worth $1,300,000, with each player getting $100,000.

It marked the second straight year that the LVCVA had inked a partnership with the players. However, the WNBA has yet to conclude its investigation into the LVCVA's sponsorship deal last season.

LVCVA president Steve Hill said they have not heard from the league on the status of the probe, prompting them to proceed with the new deal.

“I don’t know the inner workings of the league. I’m not looking to cause more of an issue, and it doesn’t seem like there’s an issue there. So, we’re just moving forward.”

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The sponsorship does not break the WNBA's salary cap rule since the LVCVA did not include the franchise and worked directly with each player and their representatives.

As part of the deal, players will need to make appearances for Las Vegas and promote the city through various activities.

When the matter was brought to the fore last season, the league decided to investigate for possible red flags. For 2025, the WNBA set the salary cap at $1,507,100.

Las Vegas Aces battling early in the WNBA season

Amid the controversy surrounding the players' latest sponsorship deals, the Las Vegas Aces continue to battle it out on the court.

The team has played six games and won four, including its last two, good for fifth in the standings.

Las Vegas Aces v Seattle Storm - Source: Getty

Reigning MVP A'ja Wilson is once again leading the charge for the team, averaging team-highs of 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.7 blocks and 2.3 steals in 34 minutes.

Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd are averaging 18.2, 12.3 and 10.2 ppg, respectively.

Las Vegas made several changes to its roster in the offseason in an attempt to regroup and improve from last season's semifinal exit.

The Aces return to action on Saturday on the road against the Golden State Valkyries.

About the author

Michael Murillo is a journalist who covers basketball and MMA at Sportskeeda with over two decades of experience. Michael has contributed as a proofreader, columnist and journalist for the Philippine broadsheet BusinessWorld.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in English Studies, basketball caught Michael's imagination from an early age. Varsity basketball helped Michael to express himself, and later, it opened doors into the world of journalism.

Michael has a particular admiration for the Phoenix Suns, inspired by Kevin Durant. Icons like Magic Johnson and modern legends like Durant have left an indelible mark on Michael for their revolutionary impact on the game.

Michael relies on the tried and tested method of thorough research to ensure accuracy in his content. He has interviewed multiple NBA players and officials with BusinessWorld, alongside athletes from various disciplines.

Michael's hobbies include traveling, hitting the gym and watching movies, and he spends much of his downtime seeing his family.

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash