Mark LoMoglio / AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady drops back to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Tampa, Fla., Monday, Dec. 5, 2022.
Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 4:38 p.m.
Tom Brady is joining the Las Vegas Aces.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who retired from football following this past season, has acquired an ownership interest in the defending WNBA champions, the organization announced today.
“I am very excited to be part of the Las Vegas Aces organization,” Brady said in a statement provided by the team. “My love for women’s sports began at a young age when I would tag along to all my older sisters’ games—They were by far the best athletes in our house! We celebrated their accomplishments together as a family, and they remain a great inspiration to me."
Brady wrapped up a 23-year NFL career by announcing his retirement for a second time on Feb. 1, finishing his time as the league's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes.
Brady retired in February 2022, only to unretire 40 days later, but his involvement with the Aces — along with a broadcasting future with FOX on the horizon — is a strong indicator that the 45-year-old Brady won't be pulling another Michael Jordan and play one more season.
“Since I purchased the Aces, our goal has been to win on and off the court,” Aces governor Mark Davis said in a statement. “Tom Brady is a win not only for the Aces, and the WNBA, but for women’s professional sports as a whole.”
Brady will have at least one surefire supporter on the Aces roster.
All-Star guard Kelsey Plum is a huge Brady fan. Brady was courtside at Michelob ULTRA Arena for the May 31 game against Connecticut, and the two met prior to the second half of the game.
"I dapped him up, I gave him a big hug. I was like man you're a dog, I love you, 'woof woof!' He looked at me and he was like 'yeah,' so we connected," Plum said of the interaction that day.
Brady returned the favor in the summer by sending Plum a signed Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey, along with a note.
Brady and Plum will get to dap up a lot more often, and it might start when the Aces begin their title defense May 20 in Seattle.
“I have always been a huge fan of women’s sports, and I admire the work that the Aces’ players, staff, and the WNBA continue to do to grow the sport and empower future generations of athletes. To be able to contribute in any way to that mission as a member of the Aces organization is an incredible honor," Brady said.
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
