Aces Win 2023 WNBA Championship – AIC Yellow Jacket

The Las Vegas Aces clinched their second consecutive WNBA championship, marking the end of the league’s 27th season. The Aces secured the title by defeating the New York Liberty 3-1. This season, the WNBA expanded to a 40-game schedule, a growth from the previous 36 and 32-game seasons. The league also implemented a controversial new rule, resulting in suspension for those missing the start of the regular season or training camp, a stark contrast to the NBA. The dawn of this season witnessed Aliyah Boston, following a remarkable college career, becoming the number one overall pick for the Indiana Fever.

Boston’s exceptional first year contributed to the Fever’s significant improvement, finishing the season with a record of 13-27, an eight-win enhancement from the preceding year. Despite consistent concern about media coverage and exposure, the WNBA recently made significant strides. On April 20, 2023, Ion Television penned a multi-year TV deal, indicating a positive trajectory for the league’s exposure and viewership. AIC basketball player Nora Young remarked on the WNBA’s growing popularity and support from NBA players, emphasizing the potential for increased broadcast availability to boost viewership.

The conclusion of this season also saw the retirement of several WNBA legends. Renowned players such as Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Kia Vaughn, Sylvia Fowles, and Briann January decided to hang up their shoes, symbolizing the end of an era for women’s basketball. Additionally, five new coaches, including Curt Miller, Christie Sides, Latricia Trammell, Stephanie White, and Eric Thibault, took over head coaching positions before the season commenced, with two more coaches joining mid-season.

The WNBA All-Star game witnessed Team Stewart triumph over Team Wilson with a score of 143-127. Notably, the Las Vegas Aces were crowned champions, basking in the glory of back-to-back championships. Gabriel Leao expressed newfound excitement for the WNBA following a surge in social media coverage and influence from women’s college basketball and young WNBA talents like Aliyah Boston.

The MVP title went to Breanna Stewart, while Aliyah Boston claimed Rookie of the Year. A’ja Wilson clinched the Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year accolades, while Satou Sabally was named the Most Improved Player. The sixth man of the year was Alysha Clark, and Elizabeth Williams earned the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Stephanie White received the Coach of the Year honor, and Jonathan Kolb was crowned Basketball Executive of the Year.

To round off the season, the Las Vegas Aces claimed consecutive championships. When asked if the Aces are establishing a dynasty, Nora Young expressed optimism about their potential to continue winning in the future, signifying a potential turning point for Aces as a dominant force in the WNBA.