The journey of this iconic WNBA franchise is a tale of resilience and triumph, spanning across three cities and leaving an indelible mark on women's basketball. From its humble beginnings in Utah to its current glory days in Las Vegas, this team's history is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic moves.
A Rising Star in Utah: The Utah Starzz (1997-2002)
The Starzz, under the ownership of Larry H. Miller, started their journey with a rocky inaugural season, but quickly turned things around. Year after year, they improved, with 2002 being their most successful season in Utah. Center Natalie Williams, a three-time All-WNBA first teamer and WNBA All-Star, was a key player during these early years. She, along with other talented players like Dena Head and Margo Dydek, helped the Starzz make their first playoff appearance in 2001 and reach the Western Conference Finals in 2002.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite their growth and success, the Starzz were sold in 2002 to Peter Holt, owner of the San Antonio Spurs, and the team moved to Texas.
A New Chapter in San Antonio: The Silver Stars (2002-2017)
In San Antonio, the franchise, now known as the Silver Stars, had its ups and downs. While they reached the WNBA Finals for the first time in 2008, losing to the Detroit Shock, the following years saw a decline in their performance. However, these losing seasons had a silver lining: they provided the Stars with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, which they used to select Kelsey Plum, who would later become a key player in their WNBA title wins.
During their time in San Antonio, the Stars produced several All-WNBA players, including Becky Hammon and Sophia Young-Malcolm. They also had a strong presence in the WNBA All-Star Games, with players like Danielle Adams and Marie Ferdinand representing the team.
Las Vegas Aces: A Dynasty in the Making (2018-present)
In 2018, the team was bought by MGM Resorts International and relocated to Nevada, becoming the Las Vegas Aces. This move proved to be a game-changer. The Aces immediately started dominating, finishing no lower than fourth in the regular season standings since 2019. They made it to the WNBA Finals in 2020 and 2023, winning back-to-back titles, a feat not achieved in two decades.
The Aces' success can be attributed to their star players, including A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum. Wilson, in particular, has been a standout, winning multiple M'VP titles and becoming the first player in league history to achieve such a feat.
And this is the part most people miss... The Aces' journey hasn't been without its challenges. In 2023, they faced injuries to key players, but still managed to win the championship. In 2024, they had an 'off year', yet still finished strong. And in 2025, they fought their way back from a mediocre start to clinch the No. 2 seed and win their third WNBA title in four years.
The Las Vegas Aces' story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic moves, and, of course, the incredible talent of its players.
So, what do you think? Is this franchise's journey inspiring or controversial? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
