WNBA Investigating Las Vegas Authority’s $100,000 Sponsorship Deal with Aces Player

The WNBA is currently investigating a $100,000 annual sponsorship deal between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and a player from the Las Vegas Aces for this season and the next. While the sponsorship does not violate the league’s salary cap rules since it was not orchestrated with the club, other teams are questioning the fairness of the deal and whether it goes against the spirit of the cap regulations.

Aces coach Becky Hammon commented on the situation, stating that most sponsorships typically target top players, but in this case, the authority wanted to sponsor the entire team. This is not the first time the Aces have faced scrutiny from the league, as they were penalized last year for violating player benefits and workplace policies.

The head of the authority, Steve Hill, defended the sponsorship, stating that they did everything correctly and that the sponsorship was intended to benefit both Las Vegas and the players. The players themselves were thrilled by the news, with point guard Chelsea Gray expressing gratitude for the city’s investment in the team.

The $100,000 sponsorship is significant, especially for players with lower salaries, and it also helps bridge the pay gap for top players like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum. Alysha Clark, whose salary is listed at $110,000, expressed her gratitude for the sponsorship and the opportunity to represent the organization and the city.

Overall, the sponsorship has generated mixed reactions but has been largely welcomed by the Aces players as a positive development for the team and the city of Las Vegas. The investigation by the WNBA is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds.