The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has ended its controversial sponsorship agreement with the Las Vegas Aces, a deal that paid each player $100,000 annually over the past two seasons.
The decision comes as the WNBA continues to investigate potential salary cap circumvention linked to the partnership.
Originally launched in 2024, the agreement drew scrutiny because players were not required to fulfill traditional sponsorship obligations beyond representing Las Vegas as professional athletes. Critics argued the payments could function as indirect compensation outside the league’s salary cap rules.
The league had previously investigated the Aces in 2023 over similar allegations but found no substantiated violations. However, a second probe—focused specifically on the tourism deal—remains unresolved.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed in 2025 that external legal counsel continues to review the case. The league hired law firm Kobre & Kim to conduct the investigation.
Controversy Around Deal Structure
Reports have indicated that internal communications suggested the Aces organization may have helped facilitate the deal prior to its public announcement. This included discussions about payments tied to the use of team branding and intellectual property.
Aces owner Mark Davis has consistently denied any wrongdoing, while head coach Becky Hammon previously stated the team had no involvement in structuring the agreement.
LVCVA CEO Steve Hill described the payments as a temporary “bridge†to support players ahead of the league’s new collective bargaining agreement in 2026.
Salary Context and Broader Impact
The $100,000 annual payments significantly exceeded the WNBA’s minimum salary over the past two seasons. However, upcoming changes to the league’s salary structure will see rookie minimum salaries rise to $270,000—surpassing last year’s maximum salary.
The controversy also follows earlier disputes involving former Aces player Dearica Hamby, who filed a discrimination lawsuit against the team and league. That case was later dismissed, though the league had already penalized the Aces by revoking a 2025 first-round draft pick and suspending Hammon for two games.
Uncertain Outcome
With the sponsorship now discontinued and the investigation still ongoing, questions remain about whether the Aces gained an unfair competitive advantage—and whether the WNBA will impose further sanctions.