WNBA Investigates Las Vegas Aces Amid Sponsorship Controversy
WNBA Probes Aces' $100,000 Player Stipends
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has launched an investigation into the Las Vegas Aces following reports that each player on the team received a $100,000 sponsorship from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
The LVCVA announced the sponsorship deal on Friday, but the WNBA is now examining whether the payments violated league rules on player compensation.
Deal Raised Concerns About Salary Cap Violations
The WNBA has strict salary cap regulations, and concerns have been raised that the $100,000 payments could effectively circumvent the cap and provide the Aces with an unfair advantage.
The league is also investigating whether the sponsorships were properly disclosed and if they comply with league policies on player benefits.
Investigation Stems from Dearica Hamby Controversy
The WNBA's investigation into the Aces comes on the heels of a separate investigation into the team's handling of former player Dearica Hamby's contract extension.
Hamby, who was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in February, alleged that the Aces had offered her an impermissible $250,000 bonus to remain with the team.
Aces Could Face Penalties If Violations Found
If the WNBA finds that the Aces violated league rules, the team could face a range of penalties, including fines, suspensions, and the loss of draft picks.
The league has already rescinded the Aces' 2025 first-round pick and suspended head coach Becky Hammon for two games for violating salary cap rules in the Hamby case.
WNBA Committed to Fair Play and Integrity
In a statement, the WNBA said it is committed to maintaining fair play and integrity in the league.
The league said it will "thoroughly investigate" the Aces' sponsorship deal and "take appropriate action" if any violations are found.
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