The Las Vegas Aces have done it again. Against all odds, after a season that teetered on the brink of collapse, the Aces are celebrating their third WNBA championship in four years. The 2025 campaign wasn’t just another notch in their dynasty belt—it was a testament to resilience, reinvention, and an unbreakable championship spirit that just won’t quit. Fans across Las Vegas and the wider basketball world are gearing up for a parade that promises to be as memorable as the journey itself, scheduled for Friday, October 17, at 5 PM.
Let’s rewind to the start of the 2025 season. The Aces entered the year in unfamiliar territory. After falling short in the 2024 playoffs—missing out on a coveted three-peat and bowing out in the second round to the New York Liberty—change was in the air. The offseason saw the departure of Kelsey Plum, a cornerstone of their previous championship runs, who was traded for Jewell Loyd, a former champion and All-WNBA talent. Many wondered: was this the end of the Aces’ dominance?
Early results seemed to suggest so. Through their first 20 games, the Aces stumbled to a 9-11 record, a far cry from their usual powerhouse status. The struggles didn’t stop there. Just three games after a bruising 27-point loss to the Indiana Fever, the Aces suffered a WNBA record-setting 53-point defeat at home to the Minnesota Lynx, leaving them at a middling 14-14. For most teams, a loss of that magnitude would spell disaster. For the Aces, it was the ultimate wake-up call.
“The County is prepared to support the Aces’ parade plans,” a Clark County official declared, reflecting the city’s excitement for the upcoming celebration. But before the confetti, there was a season to salvage.
What followed was nothing short of historic. The Aces rattled off 16 consecutive wins to close out the regular season, storming into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed. In the postseason, they lost just three games—and none in the Finals—cementing their status as a modern dynasty. The turnaround wasn’t just impressive by WNBA standards; it was one of the most remarkable in sports history. From the brink of missing the playoffs, the Aces clawed their way to the top, proving once again that their championship DNA runs deep.
Head coach Becky Hammon deserves major credit for keeping the squad together through the season’s emotional rollercoaster. Her steady hand and tactical brilliance ensured the team never lost sight of their ultimate goal, even as adversity mounted. “This team finds a way, again and again, to prove that no matter what moves are made or what is thrown their way, they somehow rise above and find a way to tap into their championship pedigree,” as one commentator put it. Hammon’s leadership, combined with the contributions of both veterans and new faces, made all the difference.
The arrival of Jewell Loyd in exchange for Plum was a pivotal move. Loyd, adjusting to a new system after spending a decade with the Seattle Storm, stepped into a crucial role and delivered when it mattered most. Chelsea Gray, returning healthy after missing much of the 2024 season, was a steadying force in the backcourt. Jackie Young’s continued growth and increased responsibility paid dividends, while the Aces’ bench provided timely sparks throughout the campaign.
And then there’s A’ja Wilson. What can you say about a player who just keeps rewriting the record books? Wilson’s 2025 season was the stuff of legend. She became the first player in WNBA history to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season. Her trophy case is overflowing: seven All-Star appearances, five All-WNBA selections, five All-Defensive nods, four MVPs, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, three championships, two Finals MVPs, two Olympic gold medals, an Olympic MVP, a Rookie of the Year award, and even a signature Nike shoe. As her prime continues, the debate over the greatest of all time—A’GOAT, as fans now call her—seems all but settled.
With the title secured, the city is ready to party. The championship parade, officially announced by A’ja Wilson during the post-game media availability, will begin at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. From there, the procession will head north toward Park Avenue, culminating in Toshiba Plaza in front of the T-Mobile Arena. That’s where the real festivities kick off—front office members, the coaching staff, and players will take the stage to address the fans, reliving the season’s highs and lows and sharing in the joy of another banner year.
The Aces’ parades have become legendary in their own right. After their first title, A’ja Wilson famously called out Grammy-winning rapper Usher, declaring, “Usher, I better see you Usher. I’m not playing with you. Usher, I better see you, Usher.” While Usher missed the parade that year, he later treated the team to a private concert. The following year, the parade route shifted to begin at Tropicana Avenue, ending at Toshiba Plaza—mirroring this year’s celebration. Wilson again invited Usher, this time via Twitter and a Good Morning America appearance. Though he didn’t make it to the parade, his support for the team was clear.
This year, the buzz is that Usher might finally join the festivities in person, having already made an appearance during the Finals. If he does show up, it’s sure to be a moment fans won’t soon forget. The anticipation is palpable, and the city is ready to throw a party worthy of a dynasty.
Looking back, what makes this championship so sweet for the Aces and their supporters is the adversity they overcame. Losing a foundational player, enduring historic defeats, and facing doubts from all corners, the team came together when it mattered most. Becky Hammon’s tactical acumen, Jewell Loyd’s seamless integration, and the relentless excellence of A’ja Wilson were all vital ingredients in the recipe for success.
As the parade approaches, Las Vegas is buzzing with pride and excitement. The Aces’ journey from midseason despair to championship glory is a reminder that in sports, as in life, it’s not about how you start—it’s about how you finish. Fans will line the Boulevard, hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes and maybe, just maybe, see Usher finally answer A’ja Wilson’s call. For now, the city celebrates a team that simply refuses to quit, a coach who steadies the ship in any storm, and a superstar whose legacy grows with every game. The dynasty is alive and well in Las Vegas.
