Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young added 18 points apiece, combining for seven of Las Vegas’s 12 three-pointers. Jewell Loyd chipped in 12 points, and Dana Evans added 10 off the bench as the Aces displayed the depth and precision that have defined their dominant run.

The Aces seized control from the opening tip, shooting 55% in a 30–21 first quarter behind Wilson’s 12 points. The Mercury rotated three defenders on her – Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Kalani Brown – but none could contain her blend of footwork and strength. Las Vegas quickly found rhythm from beyond the arc in the second quarter. Evans hit back-to-back threes, followed by makes from Loyd and Gray, extending the lead to 42–23. By halftime, the Aces led 54–38, having made nine of their 17 three-point attempts while committing only one turnover.

Phoenix’s frustration boiled over midway through the third quarter when coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected after arguing a foul call against Monique Akoa Makani. His exit seemed to deflate the Mercury’s brief surge, and Las Vegas carried a 76–62 advantage into the final period.

Phoenix opened the fourth quarter on an 8–0 run to trim the deficit to six, but Gray responded with consecutive threes to halt the momentum. The Mercury never drew closer than eight points the rest of the way. Kahleah Copper was relentless, scoring a career playoff-high 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting before fouling out in the final minutes. Thomas notched another triple-double – 17 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists – but also had nine turnovers and visibly labored after injuring her right shoulder late in the first half.

The Mercury were already without Satou Sabally, their leading postseason scorer, who was sidelined with a concussion suffered late in Game 3. Her absence forced Phoenix to reshuffle their frontcourt rotation, with Bonner starting in her place and Brown seeing rare minutes early. Despite their depleted roster, the Mercury’s resilience reflected a strong playoff run that included upsets of the defending champion New York Liberty and top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.

The Aces’ victory capped a dominant stretch that saw them win 25 of their final 28 games after a 53-point loss to Minnesota in early August. Las Vegas became the first team since the Houston Comets’ four straight titles from 1997 to 2000 to win three championships in a four-year span.

The Aces averaged over 90 points per game in the finals, overwhelming Phoenix with spacing, ball movement and relentless pace. They never trailed in Game 4 and rarely looked threatened throughout the series.

The Women’s National Basketball Association is taking another major step toward cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world. In a groundbreaking media rights deal announced on September 30, 2025, the WNBA and VERSANT revealed an 11-year agreement that will bring at least 50 WNBA regular-season and playoff games per year to USA Network starting with the 2026 season. The deal, which runs through 2036, marks a significant expansion of the league’s broadcast footprint and signals continued investment in women’s basketball at a national level.

Under this new arrangement, USA Network — part of Comcast’s soon-to-be spin-off company VERSANT — will feature Wednesday night WNBA doubleheaders as its programming centerpiece. These primetime broadcasts will include some of the league’s most anticipated matchups, giving fans a consistent, high-profile destination for women’s basketball throughout the season. The deal also includes coverage of select WNBA Playoff games and portions of the WNBA Finals in certain years, further integrating the league into one of America’s most widely distributed cable networks.

For the WNBA, the timing could not be better. The league is currently riding a wave of unprecedented growth. Attendance, TV ratings, merchandise sales, and social media engagement have all reached record highs in 2024 and 2025, driven by stars like A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier, as well as a surge of new fans drawn to the league’s competitive parity and vibrant storytelling. This deal with USA Network expands on the landmark broadcast agreements the WNBA signed in 2024, ensuring broader reach and deeper engagement for years to come.

Matt Hong, President of Sports at VERSANT, emphasized the company’s excitement about becoming a key broadcast partner for the league. “We’re incredibly proud to expand our multi-year partnership with the WNBA,” Hong said in a statement. “USA Network will be a destination for WNBA viewers all season long, as we showcase the star power across the league in our marquee Wednesday night doubleheaders and build toward the intensity of the WNBA Playoffs and WNBA Finals.” His remarks reflect the growing recognition among media executives that women’s sports are no longer a niche product but a mainstream entertainment powerhouse.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert echoed that sentiment, framing the agreement as a major milestone in the league’s long-term growth strategy. “Partnering with VERSANT and USA Network marks another significant milestone for the WNBA’s continued growth,” Engelbert said. “As demand for women’s basketball continues to rise, partnerships like this expand the visibility and accessibility of our game.” Engelbert added that the league’s priority is to establish a “weekly primetime destination for fans,” which the Wednesday night doubleheaders aim to achieve. This consistency, she said, will help casual viewers become regular followers, while giving the league’s athletes the national exposure they deserve.

From a media perspective, the WNBA’s move to USA Network is both strategic and symbolic. USA has long been one of the most established cable networks in American television, known for its mix of entertainment and sports programming. Its reach — estimated to cover over 90 million U.S. households — ensures that WNBA games will be accessible to millions of fans who may not currently have access to streaming services or regional sports networks. By aligning with VERSANT, which will manage a diverse portfolio of networks including CNBC, MSNBC, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel, the WNBA is positioning itself within a media ecosystem capable of promoting its players and stories across multiple platforms.

The structure of the new broadcast schedule highlights how far the league has come in building a dedicated media presence. Each Wednesday night doubleheader will include not only two back-to-back games but also pregame and postgame studio coverage, giving fans expanded analysis, highlights, and storytelling around the league. This move mirrors the programming model of major men’s sports leagues, which have long used primetime doubleheaders to build brand identity and fan loyalty. “Having a weekly, predictable national broadcast slot is huge,” said sports media analyst Rachel Nichols. “It means fans know exactly when and where to tune in — and that kind of consistency builds long-term audience growth.”

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but industry insiders suggest it represents a substantial increase over previous media rights valuations. Combined with the WNBA’s other national broadcast partners — including ABC/ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and CBS Sports Network — this agreement could push the league’s annual media revenue to record levels. Those funds are expected to be reinvested into player compensation, team operations, and marketing, further fueling the league’s upward trajectory.

For the players, the deal is also a validation of their years of advocacy for better visibility and media coverage. WNBA athletes have long pushed for more equitable broadcast opportunities compared to their male counterparts, arguing that exposure directly drives growth. “This is exactly what we’ve been asking for — more eyes, more access, more investment,” said Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier in a recent interview. “When people see our product, they fall in love with it. This partnership will make that possible on a whole new scale.”

The announcement also comes amid broader cultural momentum for women’s sports globally. In 2024 and 2025, women’s basketball has experienced explosive growth, with record-breaking viewership for NCAA tournaments, increased sponsorship deals, and international stars raising the sport’s global profile. The WNBA, celebrating its 29th season, has capitalized on that momentum by rebranding itself as a progressive, inclusive league that blends athletic excellence with social impact. Its Changemaker Collective, which includes brands like Nike, AT&T, Google, Ally, CarMax, and Deloitte, continues to drive corporate engagement and support initiatives focused on player experience, innovation, and visibility.

The creation of VERSANT as an independent media entity also plays a key role in this story. As Comcast Corporation prepares to spin off most of NBCUniversal’s cable assets into VERSANT, the new company aims to focus more heavily on live sports and entertainment. This WNBA deal represents one of VERSANT’s first major post-launch investments, signaling its intention to make women’s sports a central pillar of its programming strategy. The company’s portfolio will allow for cross-promotional opportunities — for instance, featuring WNBA content on MSNBC’s cultural segments or highlighting league stars on E! News.

Looking ahead, USA Network and the WNBA plan to announce the full 2026 broadcast schedule and production team in the coming months. Industry speculation suggests that the network will employ a mix of veteran broadcasters and new voices from within women’s basketball, enhancing the authenticity and energy of the coverage. The broadcasts are also expected to include cutting-edge graphics, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and social media integration designed to appeal to younger fans.

Ultimately, this partnership between the WNBA and USA Network is about more than television rights — it’s about the ongoing transformation of women’s basketball into a cultural and commercial powerhouse. With an 11-year commitment in place, the league now has the stability and visibility to plan for sustained growth, while fans gain unprecedented access to the sport they love. As Commissioner Engelbert noted, “This is not just an investment in games — it’s an investment in the future of women’s sports.”

If the WNBA’s recent trajectory is any indication, that future looks brighter — and more televised — than ever before.

The WNBA stands at a defining moment in its history. Fresh off the Las Vegas Aces’ historic 2025 championship sweep, the league finds itself at a critical crossroads — one shaped by labor negotiations, expansion ambitions, and mounting pressure to sustain its explosive growth. As the offseason begins, the euphoria of a record-breaking year is giving way to tough questions about the league’s future direction. With the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deadline looming, coaching instability in several franchises, and expansion plans hanging in the balance, the next 12 months could determine whether the WNBA’s rise turns into a revolution — or a reckoning.

The most immediate issue on the table is the CBA negotiations between the league and the WNBPA, the players’ union. The current deal, signed in 2020, allowed players to opt out after the 2025 season — a clause that now hovers like a storm cloud over the league office. Sources close to the discussions say players are prepared to push hard for higher salaries, improved travel conditions, and greater revenue sharing. While Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, many players feel that the league’s financial growth hasn’t translated into fair compensation. “We’ve proven our value,” said one veteran player anonymously. “The numbers are there — the fans are there. Now it’s time for the league to invest in the women who built this.”

Indeed, the financial picture of the WNBA has changed dramatically since the last CBA was signed. Attendance and viewership have skyrocketed, corporate sponsorships are pouring in, and expansion fees are expected to climb above $100 million per team. Yet, despite these gains, the average player salary still hovers around $120,000 — a figure players argue doesn’t reflect their growing market impact. The 2025 season shattered broadcast records thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu, with the league consistently trending on social media and drawing sellout crowds across multiple cities. For many, this surge underscores why the next CBA must modernize the WNBA’s economic model and give athletes a more equitable share of the profits.

While labor talks intensify, expansion remains both the league’s most exciting opportunity and its most delicate challenge. Engelbert has confirmed that two new franchises are expected to join by 2027, following the success of the Golden State Valkyries, who debuted in 2025 to sold-out arenas and record merchandise sales. Cities like Philadelphia, Toronto, and Nashville are reportedly frontrunners for the next wave of expansion, with ownership groups already in active discussions. “We’re not just adding teams,” Engelbert said earlier this summer. “We’re building a sustainable future — new markets, new fan bases, and new opportunities for players.”

However, expansion comes with complications. The league must ensure that the influx of new franchises doesn’t dilute talent or strain existing resources. Player development pipelines, training facilities, and travel logistics will all need to evolve to accommodate growth. The WNBA also faces the question of international integration, as more overseas stars express interest in joining the league amid rising global visibility. Balancing expansion while maintaining competitive integrity will be one of Engelbert’s greatest tests as commissioner.

Compounding the uncertainty is a wave of coaching and front-office turmoil that has rippled through the league. Several teams, including the Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream, and New York Liberty, have undergone leadership shakeups in recent months. While some changes stem from performance frustrations, others point to deeper tensions between management and players. The Liberty’s high-profile split with head coach Sandy Brondello after back-to-back Finals losses sparked debate about the league’s coaching culture and gender representation. Of the 12 WNBA teams, fewer than half are currently led by women — a statistic players and advocates say must change as the league positions itself as a champion of equality.

Meanwhile, the league’s broadcast expansion continues to reshape its media landscape. The recently announced 11-year deal with USA Network, which will feature Wednesday night doubleheaders starting in 2026, adds another layer of national exposure alongside ESPN, Amazon Prime, and CBS Sports. This surge in media partnerships has made WNBA players more visible than ever — but it has also intensified scrutiny. Some athletes, like Clark and Wilson, have found themselves at the center of polarizing debates over media bias, player treatment, and league marketing priorities. The WNBA’s leadership will need to navigate these tensions carefully to maintain unity within a growing and increasingly diverse player base.

The success of the Aces has also created a competitive imbalance that could shape the next phase of the league. Las Vegas’ three consecutive titles have established them as the first true modern dynasty — but their dominance raises questions about parity. With superteams like the Liberty and Aces stacking talent, smaller-market franchises worry about keeping up financially and competitively. The WNBA’s introduction of charter flights for postseason travel in 2025 was a major step forward, but players are calling for year-round implementation, especially as expansion looms. “We’re done flying commercial,” said Aces star Kelsey Plum in a recent interview. “If we’re serious about being the best women’s league in the world, we have to treat it that way.”

Off the court, the WNBA continues to lead the way on social impact. The WNBA Changemaker Collective, featuring brands like Nike, Google, AT&T, and Deloitte, has become a model for corporate partnership built around gender equity and empowerment. These collaborations have not only elevated player visibility but also funded community initiatives, youth programs, and player wellness resources. Still, as the league grows more commercial, maintaining its authenticity — the very thing that made fans fall in love with it — will be crucial.

For fans, the upcoming offseason will be one of anticipation and anxiety. Will the CBA negotiations turn contentious? Which cities will land expansion teams? Can any franchise finally dethrone the Aces? And perhaps most importantly — can the WNBA continue its rapid ascent without losing the spirit of collaboration that has defined it since 1997?

If there’s one thing clear after the Aces’ historic 2025 run, it’s that the WNBA is no longer an underdog league fighting for relevance. It’s a booming business, a cultural force, and a symbol of progress in sports. But with success comes pressure — the kind that forces organizations to evolve or risk stagnation. As Commissioner Engelbert put it in her postseason remarks, “The WNBA is entering its next era. Growth brings challenges, but it also brings power — and we’re ready to use that power to shape the future.”

Whether that future is defined by labor harmony, expansion triumph, or continued dominance from Las Vegas, one thing is certain: the WNBA stands on the edge of transformation. The next chapter will not only determine who wins the next championship — it will define what kind of league the WNBA becomes for the next generation.

LAS VEGAS ACES COMPLETE HISTORIC THREE-PEAT BID! Rampage Through Finals with SWEEP of Mercury — Crowned Champions for THIRD TIME in Four Years! A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray & Co. Cement Dynasty Status as WNBA’s Undisputed Queens!

The Las Vegas Aces have officially cemented their place in basketball history. With a dominant 4–0 sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals, the Aces captured their third championship in four seasons, completing an extraordinary three-peat and solidifying their status as the league’s first true dynasty of the modern era. What began as a mission to defend their crown ended as a full-blown coronation — a victory so commanding that even rivals were left acknowledging their greatness.

Inside a roaring Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Aces closed out Game 4 in emphatic fashion, defeating the Mercury 101–79 behind yet another powerhouse performance from A’ja Wilson, who finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Wilson’s consistency and dominance throughout the postseason earned her the Finals MVP for the second straight year, a testament to her unmatched impact on both ends of the floor. “This is for Vegas,” Wilson said through tears as confetti rained down. “We’ve built something special — something that’s going to last.”

From the opening tip of the Finals, Las Vegas looked unstoppable. Their combination of chemistry, athleticism, and championship experience proved too much for Phoenix, who simply couldn’t match the Aces’ pace or depth. Chelsea Gray returned from her 2024 injury with a vengeance, orchestrating the offense with surgical precision and averaging nearly 10 assists per game during the series. Jackie Young, who has evolved into one of the league’s most complete two-way players, added 24 points and relentless perimeter defense, while Kelsey Plum continued her hot shooting, hitting a barrage of threes that turned each game into a highlight reel.

The Aces’ sweep wasn’t just a victory — it was a message. Head coach Becky Hammon’s squad played with the poise and ruthlessness of a team fully aware of its place in history. Every possession seemed deliberate, every rotation crisp, every defensive switch executed to perfection. “We talked about legacy all year,” Hammon said during the postgame celebration. “You don’t win three titles in four years by accident. These women work harder than anyone, and they’ve earned every bit of this.”

The Mercury, to their credit, battled until the very end. Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi — two legends in their own right — tried to rally their team, but the Aces’ firepower was overwhelming. Phoenix’s defense had no answers for Las Vegas’ high-octane attack, and their offense struggled to generate rhythm against the Aces’ relentless switching defense. “They’re the standard,” Taurasi said afterward. “You can’t make mistakes against them — they punish everything.”

With this championship, the Aces join the exclusive ranks of the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks as the only franchises to win three consecutive WNBA titles. But in many ways, Las Vegas’ run stands apart. In an era of greater parity and player mobility, maintaining dominance over multiple seasons is exponentially harder — and yet, the Aces made it look effortless. Their 2025 campaign saw them finish with a league-best 31–9 record, sweeping through both the semifinals and Finals in convincing fashion.

The defining characteristic of this dynasty isn’t just talent — it’s culture. Since Hammon took over in 2022, the Aces have established a foundation built on trust, accountability, and excellence. Veterans and young stars alike have embraced their roles, creating a rare chemistry that translates into on-court dominance. “We love each other — and that’s our secret,” Gray said with a grin. “We play for each other, not just ourselves. That’s why we keep winning.”

This victory also serves as redemption for Hammon, who faced scrutiny earlier in her tenure amid controversy surrounding player relations. Now, her legacy as one of the most successful coaches in WNBA history is undeniable. With three titles in four years, Hammon’s name is etched alongside the sport’s legends, and her leadership has become a model for future generations of women’s basketball coaches.

The Aces’ success has also redefined what dominance looks like in the WNBA. Their brand of play — fast-paced, physical, and unselfish — has raised the standard for every team in the league. Analysts have credited their style with inspiring other franchises to invest more deeply in analytics, player development, and sports science. “What Las Vegas has done is transformative,” said ESPN analyst Monica McNutt. “They’ve shown that the WNBA can deliver dynasties, drama, and world-class entertainment — all at once.”

Beyond the court, the Aces’ reign has coincided with an unprecedented boom in the league’s popularity. Attendance records were shattered in 2025, television ratings soared, and merchandise sales reached all-time highs — much of it driven by the Aces’ star power and swagger. The team has become a cultural phenomenon in Las Vegas, embodying the city’s flair for spectacle and excellence. Their games are no longer just sporting events — they’re experiences, complete with celebrity fans, dazzling halftime shows, and the kind of energy that rivals any NBA arena.

Wilson, in particular, has become the face of the WNBA’s modern era. Her dominance on the court is matched by her charisma off it, making her a crossover star who resonates with fans of all ages. “She’s our Michael Jordan,” said Plum. “When A’ja’s locked in, we all feed off it. She makes everyone around her better.” Wilson’s Finals performance — averaging 28 points, 12 rebounds, and elite defense — only adds to her growing legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.

Even amid celebration, talk of the future is impossible to avoid. With expansion teams expected to join the league in 2027 and new stars emerging each season, the competition will only get tougher. But if the Aces have proven anything, it’s that they thrive under pressure. Their roster, anchored by Wilson, Plum, Young, and Gray, remains largely intact for 2026, meaning the dynasty could continue for years to come. “We’re not done yet,” Hammon said, flashing her trademark grin. “We’re just getting started.”

For now, though, the moment belongs to Las Vegas — a team that has rewritten the record books and redefined what greatness looks like in women’s basketball. As the confetti settled and the players hoisted the trophy high, one thing was clear: the Aces aren’t just champions. They’re icons.

And as fans poured out into the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas to celebrate, the chant that echoed through the desert night said it all — “Three rings, one dynasty, forever Aces.”