International Courant
LAS VEGAS– The Las Vegas Conference and Guests Authority gives an annual sponsorship of $100,000 to every Aces participant for this season and 2025.
The WNBA is investigating whether or not the sponsorship is allowed.
This isn’t the primary time that Aces has come into contact with the competitors in recent times. Final yr, the WNBA suspended Aces coach Becky Hammon for 2 video games and stripped the Aces of their 2025 first-round draft choose as a result of the franchise violated league guidelines concerning impermissible participant advantages and office insurance policies.
The sponsorship doesn’t violate the WNBA wage cap, as a result of the Las Vegas authority has not organized this with the membership. However different groups are more likely to increase questions concerning the equity of the sponsorship and whether or not it violates the spirit of the cap guidelines.
The authority posted a video on X of president and CEO Steve Hill telling the gamers within the locker room Friday’s information.
“The Aces have had a historic run – two-time world champions,” Hill mentioned on the video earlier than briefing the gamers. “We’re additionally right here to do one thing historic with them.”
The gamers had been delighted with the transfer.
“I’ve all the time mentioned to town of Vegas, it is a large little metropolis they usually simply need the very best for the folks right here,” level guard Chelsea Grey mentioned earlier than the Aces’ dwelling recreation Saturday in opposition to the Los Angeles Sparks. ‘They put money into us and they also put their cash the place their mouth is. We now have carried out a lot for town and are having a number of enjoyable doing it.
“It was an excellent second for me and my teammates, the place somebody really left cash and mentioned they assist us they usually need our assist.”
In line with the web site Spotrac, which tracks participant salaries, the sponsorship is larger than the earnings of six Aces gamers.
“Undoubtedly greater than my wage,” says newcomer Kate Martin, who earns $67,249, in line with the web site. “I’m tremendous grateful. Generally I’ve to pinch myself to verify I am not dreaming, however that is actual life and that is what all these gamers deserve. I would not be getting this loopy bonus if all these gamers hadn’t performed so nice over time.”
The $100,000 can be a giant addition to what the highest gamers earn. A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are the best paid Aces at $200,000 every and Grey is shut behind at $196,267.
“(That) the LVCVA sees our worth and helps shut that wage hole says so much concerning the character of the people who find themselves there,” mentioned Alysha Clark, whose wage is listed at $110,000. “So I am extraordinarily grateful. I am honored to have the ability to signify this group and this metropolis and advocate for town and provides again to this metropolis and contribute to the group, and that is what they’ve carried out for us. It was actually very particular.”
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AP Basketball Author Doug Feinberg and AP Freelance Author WG Ramirez contributed to this report.
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