‘The House’ that A’ja built: Aces franchise stands on 4-time MVP’s shoulders

The Las Vegas Aces, led by A'ja Wilson, won their third WNBA championship in four years by completing a sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals. Despite the victory, it was noted that Wilson and the Aces have never secured a league title on their home court at Michelob Ultra Arena, which is nicknamed "The House" and symbolizes the legacy Wilson has built.

A'ja Wilson, the WNBA's first four-time MVP, has been the face of the franchise for eight seasons, during which the Aces have achieved record attendance and ticket sales alongside their championship successes. Her reign began in 2018 when she was drafted first overall by the newly relocated Aces, marking a new era for the team in Las Vegas. Wilson is likely to remain with the Aces as an unrestricted free agent due to her dedication to the legacy she has established.

The team's success, including three of Wilson's MVP awards and all their WNBA titles, accelerated after owner Mark Davis purchased the franchise in 2021 for $2 million, with its value soaring to an estimated $310 million. Davis compared Wilson's impact to legends like Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky, emphasizing her dominance and role in the franchise's growth.

Wilson's influence extends beyond the court, with her image prominently featured in advertisements around Las Vegas, including a large billboard near Allegiant Stadium and digital displays at Mandalay Bay. Inside Michelob Ultra Arena, her presence is felt through customized music during warmups and her leading role in pre-game hype videos, reflecting her cultural impact and connection with fans, which has contributed to the team's rising popularity from 3,000 to over 10,000 attendees.

Despite her achievements, Wilson initially did not foresee elevating the Aces to such heights when drafted by former team president and coach Bill Laimbeer, highlighting the unexpected nature of her transformative role in the franchise.