This new CBA was built to break dynasties. $1.4 million supermax contracts that contributed more to the salary cap along with increased rookie contracts. However, the Las Vegas Aces aren’t giving up. They appear determined to keep the core of the team that secured their third title in four years. Most recently, the Aces have reportedly re-signed Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd. 

A’ja Wilson had already made it clear she was not going anywhere. “I love Vegas, I’m not leaving Vegas,” Wilson said. “I’m not looking anywhere, I’m looking to win another one.” The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported last month that Wilson would re-sign with the Aces on a supermax contract worth $1.4 million. Since then the franchise has begun talks to finalize a one-year max deal with Jackie Young on a contract worth $1.19 million. Now, that super team is set to retain Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Gray. 

“Free agent star Chelsea Gray has reached a three-year, $3 million fully guaranteed deal to return to the Las Vegas Aces,” reported Kendra Andrews. To confirm she is returning, Gray posted a instagram story where her son Lennox said, “Mommy to Vegas!” The “Point Gawd” has been Wilson’s partner ever since her rookie year and averaged 11.4 points with 5.4 rebounds last year. 

The franchise has also resigned the fourth infinity stone in Jewell Loyd. “3x WNBA Champion and 6x All-Star, Jewell Loyd, is finalizing a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Aces,” Andraya Carter wrote. 

 

The financial details of the Loyd contract are unknown. The Aces initially acquired the former Rookie of the Year in a three-team trade back in February 2025. Loyd was dealt from the Seattle Storm to Las Vegas, while Kelsey Plum was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. Seattle received draft compensation in the trade. She played a key part in the title run, averaging 11.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. 

The Aces are on their way to sign all four of their top scorers from last season. They have also extended a reserve qualifying offer to NaLyssa Smith and Kiersten Bell. So, the Aces are sticking with their squad until it gives them a reason to part. On the financial side of things, the Aces have exhausted more than $3 million of their $7 million salary cap on 6  players if the reported figures are true. However, they have a major problem, which they should look at to secure the future of this team.

The Las Vegas Aces Need to Investment In Young Talent

The Aces have largely been dormant in the draft over the past few years. That’s the side effect of winning so much. However, they had their 2025 first-round pick rescinded and their second-round draftee, Aaliyah Nye, is off to Toronto. In the 2026 draft, they have the 29th pick and the 44th pick. It’s very unlikely that whoever they pick contributes to such a stacked team. But to make matters worse, their future holds no draft picks too. 

The Aces traded for NaLyssa Smith and they gave away their 2027 first-round pick. This will be the Aces’ third straight year without a first-round pick. Wilson is 28, Young is 27, while Gray is 32. Loyd is on the wrong side of 30 as well.  So, half of their core is trending outside their prime. 

We saw the shades of inconsistencies early last season when the Aces struggled until that streak. They don’t want to be the team that plans for the future when it arrives.  The front office needs to start investing in the future. These experienced veterans can give the rookies the best atmosphere to develop into the league. 

Last season, Smith provided that youthful punch, breaking into the starting lineup and averaging 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds. The 2027 draft class is stacked with the likes of Juju Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo. So, the Aces could look for a trade that involves future first-round picks. So, far their mantra has been consistency. 

The Aces have retained their entire coaching staff after losing two assistants in the 2024-25 offseason and added former Dallas Wings assistant and Unrivaled champion Nola Henry to the bench. But slowly they need to plan for the future as well. 

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