Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority offers entire Aces roster $100,000 sponsorship

“Today, we want to do something that is new – something I don’t think anybody’s ever done before,” Hill told the Aces in the locker room. “We want to recognize you individually. We want to put some money in your pockets. … So, we’ve got an offer for you.

“We think it’s a great offer for us – we hope you think it’s a great offer for you. We would like to offer each of you, individually, a sponsorship for this year in the amount of $100,000.”

The Aces started their quest for a third straight title this week with a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury in Las Vegas – an 89-80 victory. A’ja Wilson led the way fresh off an MVP season, dropping 30 points and pulling down 15 rebounds to lead the charge.

After news of the LVCVA’s sponsorship came out, Wilson’s former college coach weighed in on the deal in true Dawn Staley fashion on social media.

“Damn yall getting 6 figure NIL team deals?! Sir do you all have any leftovers we rep LV too?!!” Staley wrote. “Aayyyeee @_ajawilson22 can you donate that pocket change to us over?!”

In addition to her hot start on the court, Wilson has seen success in the business world, as well. Nike recently announced her signature shoe – a year in the making, as fans clamored for it – that will launch in 2025. She joins Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu as current WNBA players to land a signature shoe with the company. That came after Gatorade signed Wilson to a multi-year deal, joining athlete roster which also includes Clark, Luka Doncic and Paige Bueckers.

Wilson isn’t the Aces player adding to her portfolio. Kelsey Plum was also part of the WNBA’s campaign with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS as the official underwear partner of the league.

The Aces are gearing up for the second game of the season on Saturday as they take on rookie Cameron Brink and the Los Angeles Sparks. That matchup tips off at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.