Las Vegas WNBA Team Named

LAS VEGAS, NV - Starting in the 2018, the Las Vegas Aces, the WNBA's newest franchise, will open up shop in Sin City. MGM Resorts purchased the team, formerly the San Antonio Stars, and unveiled the team's new name and logo on Monday.

“Las Vegas has enthusiastically embraced us, and we’re incredibly excited for this opportunity. We have a strong roster driven to succeed, which makes this name an ideal choice. ‘Las Vegas Aces’ is a nod to the excellence, confidence and competitive spirit of our new hometown," said Aces head coach Bill Laimbeer. Laimbeer had a 15-year NBA career before his coaching career in the WNBA began in 2002 with the Detroit Shock. He led the Shock to three WNBA championships and most recently coached the New York Liberty from 2013-2017. He will also serve as the Aces president of basketball operations.

The Aces will play 17 home games at the Mandalay Bay Events Center this season.

"We are ecstatic to officially welcome the Las Vegas Aces to the WNBA family. The Aces are already embracing the opportunity to develop a deep connection with the local community, and we can’t wait to watch them bring the WNBA’s brand of world-class basketball to their new home in 2018," said WNBA president Lisa Borders.

The Aces are Sin City's first professional basketball team and they join an influx of pro franchises that are making Las Vegas their new home. The NFL's Oakland Raiders will make the move to Las Vegas in two years and the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL are in their inaugural season.

Image via Las Vegas Aces