Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson holds up the WNBA Championship Trophy as she arrives with her teammates Monday at Toshiba Plaza for their official championship celebration. The Aces, behind Wilson’s MVP performance in the WNBA Finals, became back-to-back champions after defeating the New York Liberty, 3-1, in the best-of-five series that ended Wednesday.
Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 | 7:28 p.m.
Las Vegas just can’t get enough of its Aces.
The WNBA champions celebrated their second consecutive title Monday with a parade that culminated in a rally at Toshiba Plaza, and thousands of fans packed the space to cheer on the triumphant squad.
New and longtime supporters alike began gathering hours before the team arrived, basking in the afterglow of a historically dominant 2023 campaign that saw the Aces go 34-6 in the regular season, then steamroll through three playoff rounds to complete their quest for back-to-back crowns.
The Aces clinched the title with a 70-69 win in Game 4 in New York on Wednesday, giving the locals back home plenty of time to prepare to party.
Selena Rodriguez, a season-ticket holder since the team came to Las Vegas in 2018, said there was no chance she’d miss the celebration.
“Me and my friends, we’re Day 1 fans, so I think this is a perfect place to be,” Rodriguez said.
The parade route began at Excalibur, with double-decker buses carrying the team along the Strip before arriving at Toshiba Plaza outside T-Mobile Arena. A Las Vegas Metro officer estimated more than 5,000 people in attendance.
A’ja Wilson was the star of the day, as expected after her ebullient performance at last year’s celebration. The Finals MVP averaged 21.3 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game to lead Las Vegas past the New York Liberty, then took the stage in her trademark bandana and wraparound sunglasses to address the crowd.
“We can’t appreciate you guys enough for always supporting us, always cheering us near and far,” the two-time WNBA MVP said.
Wilson thanked her teammates, the organization, the “Bench Mob” that came up big in the Game 4 win against New York, and even the MVP voter who ranked Wilson fourth on the 2023 ballot for providing added motivation.
She then turned her thoughts to championship jewelry heading their way.
“That first ring was nice, so we all know that second ring about to be blinging,” she said.
Bridget Mau, another season-ticket holder, said the makeup of the team made the Aces all the more fun to follow.
“They’re a close-knit team that worked together to get the job done and bring the championship trophy home to Las Vegas,” Mau said.
Ten-year-old Anissia Weisenberger was included as part of the Aces’ parade last year with her youth basketball team, and she attended every home game this year.
Anissia was decked out in Aces gear from head to toe as she watched her favorite players take the stage.
“They’re really cool and they’re a really good team,” she said. “They play together really well.”
Between the Aces and the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas has now hosted three pro sports championship parades in the past 12 months.
Kai Domingo, who became an Aces season-ticket holder this year, doesn’t think the town’s run of dominance is going to end anytime soon.
“I think everyone should start getting used to it,” Domingo said, “because it’s what Las Vegas is going to be about going forward.”
Wilson joined head coach Becky Hammon in guaranteeing a third consecutive title next year.
“We’re coming back,” Wilson promised. “We’re coming back, baby. We’re going to do this again.”
And how long do fans think the Aces can keep it going? With Wilson in her prime and an experienced championship core around her, parades already seem to be an annual event.
“They’re going to three-peat,” Mau said.
Ten-year-old Anissia went even further: “A few more.”
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