Las Vegas Raiders team owner Mark Davis has announced that he will be purchasing the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces from MGM Resorts International.
The Raiders have not been in town very long after finishing up their relocation heading into the 2020 NFL season. Although the circumstances of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic kept them from properly ushering in a new era, they have wasted no time making themselves at home in Allegiant Stadium.
Davis is now branching out in his team’s new hometown by purchasing the Aces, he announced in a statement.
“I am excited to announce that I have entered into an agreement to purchase the Las Vegas franchise in the WNBA from MGM Resorts International. I will have more to say once I receive official approval from the WNBA Board of Governors and have had a chance to speak with the players, coaches and administrators of the team,” Davis said.
Like the Raiders, the Aces are no strangers to relocation over the years. They started off as the Utah Starzz in 1997 before relocating to San Antonio and changing their name to the Silver Stars.
They moved to Las Vegas after 11 years and became the Aces back in 2017. They have since enjoyed plenty of success having gone to the WNBA Finals last season.
Although it is usually the city’s NBA team that takes over its WNBA counterpart, Las Vegas is still in the midst of becoming a full-fledged sports town. As a result, Davis and the Raiders have stepped up to take it under its wing.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Aces will continue to play at the Mandalay Bay Events Center since they’re no longer operated by their previous owner, MGM Resorts. The deal has also led to further speculation regarding the possibility of an NBA expansion team making its way to Las Vegas in the near future.
Given the recent success of the Raiders, Aces, and Vegas Golden Knights, it may only be a matter of time.
