Sports Buzz

Tag: Las Vegas Aces – English

  • Caitlin Clark's star power pushes six WNBA teams to bigger arenas

    Caitlin Clark's star power pushes six WNBA teams to bigger arenas

    Caitlin Clark‘s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of a game-changer. The Indiana Fever‘s rookie sensation, drafted No. 1 in 2024, has sparked a surge in interest that’s rippling across the league. From shattering viewership records to packing arenas, her presence-dubbed the “Caitlin Clark Effect“-is rewriting the script for women’s basketball.

    Case in point: six WNBA teams have already shifted at least one upcoming game against the Fever to larger venues for the 2025 season, all to handle the flood of fans eager to catch Clark in action.

    You won’t believe it! Caitlin Clark reveals which celebrity she would like to invite to dinner

    Clark’s rookie year was a whirlwind. She led the Fever to the playoffs, snagged Rookie of the Year, and turned heads with her deep threes and slick passes. But it’s not just her stats-4,134 NCAA points and a WNBA-leading 8.2 assists per game as a rookie-that have teams scrambling. It’s the crowds she draws. Last season, Fever games averaged 17,274 fans at home, a 319% jump from 2023, per Yahoo Sports.

    On the road, her games smashed attendance records, with teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics moving matchups to NBA-sized arenas to fit everyone in. “She helps ticket sales,” Aces coach Becky Hammon quipped last year, and the numbers back it up-Clark’s games accounted for 33.5% of the league’s total attendance in 2024.

    From small courts to big stages: Six teams move Fever games for Clark

    Now, as the 2025 season looms, six teams-the Aces, Mystics, Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, and one more yet to be named-aren’t taking chances. They’ve bumped Fever games from their usual digs to bigger spots like T-Mobile Arena (18,000 seats) and American Airlines Center (20,000 seats).

    The Wings’ June 27 clash with Indiana, for instance, marks their first-ever WNBA game at the Mavericks’ home court. Why? Because Clark’s pull is undeniable. Her 2024 road games saw venues like State Farm Arena in Atlanta sell out 17,000 seats-up from the Dream’s typical 3,500.

    This isn’t just about logistics-it’s a testament to Clark’s star power. “I’m a part of history,” Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell said last June, marveling at the crowds. Teams are banking on her to keep filling seats, especially after the WNBA’s 2024 attendance hit 2.35 million, the highest in 22 years. For smaller-market squads, moving to larger venues isn’t just practical-it’s a chance to cash in on the buzz. Clark’s not just playing ball; she’s reshaping the league’s landscape, one sold-out arena at a time.



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  • Mark Davis Net Worth: How rich is the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders?

    Mark Davis Net Worth: How rich is the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders?

    Mark Davis is the principal owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

    Davis is considered as one of the most fascinating figures in professional sports.

    Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers players throw multiple punches and chaos ensues

    Mark Davis’ career and net worth

    Known for his unique personality and low-key lifestyle, Davis inherited his stake in the Raiders in 2011 after the passing of his father, Al Davis.

    Since then, he has transformed the team from its Oakland roots into a Las Vegas powerhouse, both in brand and valuation.

    Davis’ journey with the Raiders began long before he became its managing general partner.

    Related:

    Growing up in a football dynasty, Mark worked in various roles within the organization, starting in the equipment room and later developing retail initiatives for the team.

    His inventive streak led to the creation of the muff-style hand warmer, now a staple in football.

    However, his relationship with his father wasn’t without tension.

    At one point, Mark was kicked out of the family home but maintained his ties to the franchise.

    Under Davis’ leadership, the Raiders underwent a dramatic transformation.

    He spearheaded the team’s relocation to Las Vegas in 2020, a move that significantly boosted the franchise’s value.

    When Davis inherited the team, it was worth $750 million; today, the Raiders are estimated to be worth $6-7 billion.

    According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion.

    This remarkable growth has cemented Davis as a key figure in the NFL’s modern era.

    Beyond football, Davis has expanded his sports portfolio by purchasing the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces in 2021.

    His commitment to the Aces has been notable, as he hired Becky Hammon, the league’s highest-paid coach, to lead the team.

    Despite his immense wealth, Davis leads a relatively modest life.

    He famously said in a 2014 interview that he still drove a 1997 Dodge Caravan.

    He also counts P.F. Chang’s among his favorite restaurants.

    However, his taste for luxury is evident in his real estate ventures, which include a $14 million mansion in Nevada’s Ascaya community.



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  • A'ja Wilson silences critics and leaves fans speechless as she names reasons new WNBA proposal won't work

    A'ja Wilson silences critics and leaves fans speechless as she names reasons new WNBA proposal won't work

    Shaquille O’Neal has reignited the debate over how to boost interest in the WNBA, but his latest suggestion is stirring strong reactions from players, including 2024 MVP A’ja Wilson.

    The Hall of Fame center proposed on Instagram that the WNBA should consider lowering the rim from its current 10-foot height-a standard shared with the NBA. His rationale? A shorter rim might increase dunking, a spectacle he believes could attract more viewers and lead to greater financial rewards for players.

    Shaquille O’Neal shares disgusting video starting reactions among his fans

    “60% of the fans said dunking is their favorite thing,” Shaq argued on social media. “The WNBA has none of that. Just trying to get you that 300 million dollars you deserve @aja22wilson. Love y’all @wnba.” He even floated the idea of testing the concept at the WNBA All-Star Game, predicting that it would boost TV ratings.

    O’Neal’s idea isn’t entirely without precedent. Sports like volleyball, track and field, and even basketball already feature adjusted rules and equipment to accommodate physiological differences between male and female athletes. The WNBA, for example, uses a smaller and lighter ball than the NBA.

    But not everyone sees this as the right move, especially Wilson, a dominant force in the WNBA. During a recent podcast appearance, the Las Vegas Aces star dismissed the suggestion, raising concerns about how a lowered rim could disrupt the game’s fundamentals.

    “What is it gonna do?” Wilson questioned. “I’d rather gear my offseason toward improving my vertical and maxing out my jumping ability. Lowering the rim an inch could change all of our shots. Do y’all not understand that?”

    How would this change affect the players?

    Her point highlights a critical aspect of basketball: muscle memory. The sport’s precision and skill often hinge on years of repetition and practice. Adjusting the rim height, Wilson argues, could throw off players’ shooting mechanics, potentially doing more harm than good.

    Moreover, the league’s growing popularity seems to challenge Shaq’s theory. Players like Caitlin Clark have captivated audiences with their exceptional skills-not their ability to dunk. Fans have embraced the WNBA for its focus on teamwork, strategy, and shooting excellence, raising questions about whether high-flying dunks are truly necessary for the league’s growth.

    As the conversation continues, Shaq’s suggestion underscores a broader question: Should the WNBA evolve its rules for entertainment value, or stay true to the game as it stands? For now, Wilson and her peers seem intent on maintaining the sport’s integrity over spectacle.



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  • The emotional story behind the tattoo on Kate Martin's left arm

    The emotional story behind the tattoo on Kate Martin's left arm

    Kate Martin, the Las Vegas Aces guard, carries more than just skills on the court. On her left arm is a tattoo that reads “Sunshine,” a touching tribute to her late grandmother. The word “Sunshine” was handwritten on a Yahtzee card her grandmother gave her before passing in 2015. When Martin was old enough, she honored her memory by getting the phrase inked in her grandmother’s handwriting.

    The tattoo embodies more than just a familial connection. It’s a symbol of resilience, warmth, and the power of relationships-qualities Martin exemplified during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes and continues to showcase as a professional athlete.

    Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall surprise former Iowa Hawkeye teammateTikTok

    From “The Glue” at Iowa to a New Bond in Las Vegas

    Known as “The Glue” during her NCAA career, Martin’s reputation stems from her ability to bring people together. Her leadership and emotional intelligence played a significant role in guiding the Iowa Hawkeyes to two consecutive national championship games, proving that her contributions extended beyond the stat sheet. Caitlin Clark, a former teammate, praised Martin’s character, saying, “She’s got your back every day. Even if we butt heads, we know it makes us better.”

    Since joining the Las Vegas Aces, Martin has continued building connections. Despite averaging limited minutes, her presence has been impactful. Veteran teammates like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum have taken notice, with Wilson notably supporting Martin during an injury setback. “She’s one of us,” Wilson said. “We protect her peace and mental health. She’s family.”

    Kate “Money” Martin: a rising star

    Although she’s still adapting to the professional stage, Martin has made her mark by sinking clutch shots early in the season, earning her the nickname “Kate Money Martin” from Plum. The nickname speaks not just to her playing skills but to the trust and confidence she has quickly built within the team.

    Martin’s journey from Iowa to Las Vegas reflects her enduring commitment to forming deep bonds and creating a sense of family wherever she plays. The tattoo on her arm may be a small piece of ink, but it serves as a constant reminder of the love, strength, and unwavering support that define her approach to both life and basketball.

    A bright future ahead

    As Martin continues to learn from seasoned players, she has the opportunity to further hone her skills and make a significant impact on the Aces. With her jersey among the top five bestsellers in the league, it’s clear that fans see more than just a promising player-they see someone who brings heart to the game.

    The story of her tattoo, much like her career, is a testament to the bonds she builds, the resilience she carries, and the sunshine she brings to every team she’s a part of.



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  • A'ja Wilson channels her 'Mamba Mentality' in must-win game for Aces

    A'ja Wilson channels her 'Mamba Mentality' in must-win game for Aces

    A’ja Wilson was inspired, and the Las Vegas Aces needed to have a player like that against the New York Liberty in the third game of the semifinals of the WNBA, as the team from Sin City forced another game by winning 95-81.

    Wilson had a big night on the court as she scored 19 points and also captured 14 rebounds. When the game was seemingly out of hand, the coaching staff from Las Vegas tried to give her a breather but she refused to come out of the game.

    A’ja Wilson spills true feelings about white players in front of Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers

    “You can’t sit down in a game like this, this is an elimination game. I cannot sit down, that’s looking like giving up,” A’ja Wilson said in a postgame interview. “That’s looking like quitting to me, so I knew I had to come and be who I needed to be for my time out of the game and make sure we understood what we needed to do her at home.”

    She got helped from some friends

    Even after an inspired performance from A’ja Wilson with her 20th career double-double, she was not alone in the game. Jackie Young had a pretty good game herself after scoring 24 points and that was not all. Kelsey Plum’s experience was also a factor in this one.

    She scored 20 points and also Tiffany Hayes and Chelsea Gray helped the cause after scoring 11 and 10 points respectively to extend the team’s winning streak at home in the playoffs to a WNBA record 12 games.

    After New York got the victory in the first two games of the series, they still have to seal the deal to advance to the finals and they will have to try and do it once more in Las Vegas as Game 4 will be played on Sunday.



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  • WNBA Playoffs Format: How many games are played per round and everything to know about it

    WNBA Playoffs Format: How many games are played per round and everything to know about it

    The 2024 WNBA Playoffs, presented by Google, officially tipped off on Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m. ET, marking the beginning of an exciting postseason.

    As eight of the top teams in the league vie for the championship, here’s everything you need to know about the format and structure of this year’s playoffs.

    How Many Games Are Played Per Round?

    The format for the 2024 WNBA Playoffs consists of multiple rounds, with varying numbers of games:

    • First Round: A best-of-three series.
    • Semi-Finals and Finals: Both the Semi-Finals and the WNBA Finals are best-of-five series.

    This structure guarantees competitive matchups, ensuring teams must consistently perform at their best to advance.

    Who Qualified for the 2024 WNBA Playoffs?

    The following eight teams secured their spots for the postseason based on regular-season performance:

    1. New York Liberty (32-8)
    2. Minnesota Lynx (30-10)
    3. Connecticut Sun (28-12)
    4. Las Vegas Aces (27-13)
    5. Seattle Storm (25-15)
    6. Indiana Fever (20-20)
    7. Phoenix Mercury (19-21)
    8. Atlanta Dream (15-25)

    First-Round Matchups

    The initial round of the WNBA Playoffs features the following pairings:

    • No.1 New York Liberty vs. No. 8 Atlanta Dream
    • No.2 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 7 Phoenix Mercury
    • No.3 Connecticut Sun vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever
    • No.4 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 5 Seattle Storm

    Home-Court Advantage Explained

    Home-court advantage plays a crucial role in the WNBA Playoffs:

    • First Round: The higher-seeded teams host Games 1 and 2, while the lower-seeded teams host Game 3 (if necessary).
    • Semi-Finals and Finals: The higher-seeded teams host Games 1, 2, and 5 (if necessary), while the lower-seeded teams host Games 3 and 4 (if necessary).

    How to Watch the WNBA Playoffs

    The 2024 WNBA Playoffs will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2. Fans can check the schedule to follow their favorite teams and catch all the action.

    With a highly competitive field and an exciting format, the 2024 WNBA Playoffs promise thrilling basketball as teams battle for the ultimate prize.



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  • A'ja Wilson unanimously wins WNBA MVP, Caitlin Clark fails to make top three

    A'ja Wilson unanimously wins WNBA MVP, Caitlin Clark fails to make top three

    Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson was the unanimous choice as the WNBA MVP, the league announced Sunday.

    She is only the second player to win the award unanimously, joining Cynthia Cooper, who did it in the league’s inaugural season of 1997.

    Caitlin Clark sinks deep shot and lets out fierce scream during Indiana Fever shootaround

    Wilson received all 67 first-place votes from a national media panel and now has won the award three times. The Aces’ star forward was also honored in 2020 and 2022. She’s the fourth player in WNBA history to do that, joining Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson.

    Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (467 points) finished in second place, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (295 points), Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (130 points) and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (83 points) in fifth.

    Wilson finished the regular season with 1,021 points, 451 rebounds and led the league with 98 blocks. Last year she was third in the WNBA MVP voting .



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  • The stage is set for Caitlin Clark as she'll battle the best in the WNBA with every matchup set for the playoffs

    The stage is set for Caitlin Clark as she'll battle the best in the WNBA with every matchup set for the playoffs

    The WNBA has entered the most important and interesting stage of the year, as the postseason is ready to begin this Sunday, September 22 and everyone will be watching.

    There are many starts who are ready to make a run for the playoffs, but of course that the young Caitlin Clark will be ready for the challenge her team will be facing, as the Indiana Fever will have to play the Connecticut Sun in the first round. The Sun is 27-11 and look dangerous against a Fever team that barely had a win over .500.

    Video of Caitlin Clark telling Christie Sides how to coach the game

    Only eight teams remain alive as the regular season will come to end and now the highest level of play will be seen for fans and followers and expectations are looking to be met.

    The rest of series

    In that side of the bracket, should Caitlin Clark and company advance, they could meet the winner of the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, as it will be a tough task for the team from Arizona as the Lynx is one of the hottest teams in the league. They are 29-9 and look great. The Mercury are under the .500 mark but still have Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi.

    Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm will face off in the other series of four and this one will also be very tight, just like what everyone expects from the New York Liberty when they meet against the Atlanta Dream, who come in as the number eight team seeded but they know the team from the big apple very well.

    The first round will be played to a Best-Of-Three series, will all Games 1 to be played on Sunday, and then the second games will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday, with an if-necessary game to be played on Thursday and Friday. The semifinals will start on September 29 and the finals on October 10.



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  • Kelsey Plum has to explain herself after words Caitlin Clark fans didn't like

    Kelsey Plum has to explain herself after words Caitlin Clark fans didn't like

    Kelsey Plum sparked plenty of conversation during a halftime interview in the Las Vegas Aces‘ 78-74 win over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Friday. Her response to a question about the Aces’ strong defensive performance caught many off guard and quickly became the talk of the game.

    After holding the Fever to just 13 points in the first quarter and 35 at the half, Plum was asked how her team had managed to contain the Fever‘s offense. Her answer, however, was less about basketball strategy and more about her personality shining through in an unexpected way.

    “I don’t know, we have good players,” Plum said.

    Mitchell’s reaction to criticism

    While some viewers found her comments “rude,” Plum didn’t seem fazed by the criticism. After the game, which pushed the Aces to a 24-13 record, Plum took the remarks in stride and laughed off the situation.

    “I mean, I thought we did a great job as a team, but Kelsey Mitchell was cooking,” Plum said. “She had a couple on me as well, so I didn’t want to say anything stupid. So I just said come back to me.”

    On the court, Plum had a solid outing, finishing with 18 points and a game-high plus-17 rating. Caitlin Clark also put up 18 points but struggled to get going in the first half. Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points in the close contest.

    “I don’t even have social media on my phone,” Plum said. “No offense but, like, we have good players. I would hope so. Not disrespectful. We have competitors – pick one. That’s what I meant. People these days don’t say the truth.”



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  • LeBron James goes wild with A'ja Wilson's unreal performance v Dallas Wings

    LeBron James goes wild with A'ja Wilson's unreal performance v Dallas Wings

    Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson is widely considered the best WNBA player right now, she has won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year two consecutive times and the WNBA Finals MVP as well. Last season, she lost the chance to win her third regular season MVP and she seems like she wants to be the top contender once again this season. On Tuesday against the Dallas Wings, Wilson went off and had 39 points with a little over two minuts left in the fourth quarter. She had 73% shooting accuracy, which is unheard of even amongst NBA players. Perhaps only someone like Stephen Curry has that level of accuracy, but she is an incredibly complete player who also dominated today.

    Angel Reese flips the script as takes charge with new podcast

    LeBron James loses it with A’ja Wilson

    A’ja Wilson was getting multiple buckets in tonight’s game against the Dallas Wings, but getting to win the game wouldn’t be easy. In fact, not even A’ja Wilson’s 42 points were able to prevent the as Vegas Aces from losing that game. Regardless, people were outraged for the incredible level of artistry that A’Ja Wilson showcased this evening. People were going wild over her performance and many were chanting the MVP cheer. It was a night to remember from the individual performance standpoint but A’ja Wilson was still unhappy with the loss. Still, LeBron James achoed everybody’s sentiments with the following tweet: “Lil sis going crazy right now!!!! @_ajawilson22.”

    The good news about this is that A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces are currently fourth overall in the WNBA and second in the Wester Conference with 18 wins and 11 defeats. The Dallas Wings are 11th overall and fifth in the Wester Converence with a 7-22 record. Right now, the Aces are positioned in Playoff contention and they seem like they will make it there despite today’s result. Plus, they have A’ja Wilson delivering unreal numbers left and right on a consistent basis. With this performance, A’ja Wilson is averaging 28 points per game. Those numbers are unreal even for NBA players.



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