Las Vegas Aces Players Receive $100,000 Sponsorship Offer from Tourism Authority

Las Vegas Aces Players Offered $100,000 Sponsorship Deal by Tourism Authority

The Las Vegas Visitors and Conventions Authority is considering a groundbreaking sponsorship deal with players on the Las Vegas Aces roster, offering each player $100,000. This move has sparked discussions within the WNBA community about the fairness of such a deal and its implications for the league’s salary cap.

Steve Hill, the president and CEO of the tourism authority, described the sponsorship as a “first-of-its-kind” opportunity that benefits both the players and the destination. The Aces, who are the reigning back-to-back league champions, have a strong following in Southern Nevada, with a record number of sold-out home games and season ticket sales.

While the average WNBA salary is $120,000, this sponsorship deal represents a significant increase for players, especially rookies who typically earn around $70,000. The sponsorship does not violate the league’s salary cap as it was not arranged with the club directly, but it has raised questions about fairness and compliance with league rules.

Aces coach Becky Hammon expressed surprise at the sponsorship deal, noting that it was unusual for a sponsor to approach the entire team rather than individual players. Team leader A’ja Wilson, a vocal advocate for pay equity in the WNBA, welcomed the opportunity for players to earn more and be recognized for their contributions to the sport.

The sponsorship offer has been met with gratitude and excitement by the Aces players, many of whom see it as a life-changing opportunity. Rookie Kate Martin, whose salary is significantly lower than the sponsorship amount, expressed her gratitude for the recognition of the team’s hard work and success.

The Las Vegas authority sees the sponsorship as a way to promote the city and its attractions through the players, likening it to other influencer partnerships. The deal has the potential to set a new precedent for player sponsorships in the WNBA and could lead to further discussions about player compensation and opportunities for endorsement deals.

Overall, the sponsorship offer has generated buzz within the WNBA community and highlighted the ongoing efforts to support and elevate women’s sports. As the league continues to grow and evolve, deals like this could pave the way for greater recognition and financial rewards for players who excel on and off the court.