Cheyenne Parker-Tyus finalizing 'team-friendly' contract with Aces

The defending champion Las Vegas Aces are keeping their title core together.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes of color representing a WNBA basketball game, conveying the energy and dynamics of the sport.The Aces' championship core remains intact as the team builds around its stars with strategic free agency moves.Chicago Today

The Las Vegas Aces have agreed to a new free agency contract with veteran center Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. The deal is expected to be a team-friendly contract, although the specific details have not been disclosed. Parker-Tyus missed most of the 2025 season due to pregnancy but returned in time for the Aces' championship run, playing in six playoff games.

Why it matters

Retaining key players is crucial for the Aces as they look to defend their WNBA title. Parker-Tyus provides valuable depth at the center position and her experience and two-way play will be important for the team's success.

The details

Parker-Tyus initially signed a one-year contract with the Aces last offseason, taking a pay cut. She only appeared in two regular season games in 2025 but played in six playoff games, shooting 40% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range as the Aces won their third championship in four years. The 11-year veteran was an All-Star just three seasons ago, averaging a career-high 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocked shots.

  • Parker-Tyus missed the majority of the 2025 season while pregnant, but made her return in time for the Aces' championship run after giving birth a couple of weeks before the All-Star break.
  • The Aces have now re-signed Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and are expected to re-sign A'ja Wilson as they look to keep their title core together.

The players

Cheyenne Parker-Tyus

A veteran center who has played 11 seasons in the WNBA, including six with the Chicago Sky and one with the Atlanta Dream before signing with the Aces last season.

A'ja Wilson

The Aces' star forward and reigning WNBA MVP, who is expected to be re-signed by the team.

Jackie Young

The Aces' starting guard, who has been re-signed by the team.

Chelsea Gray

The Aces' starting point guard, who has been re-signed by the team.

Jewell Loyd

The Aces' starting shooting guard, who has been re-signed by the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cheyenne Parker-Tyus' new free agency contract with the Aces is expected to be a team friendly deal, although details of the contract were not immediately available.”

— Callie Fin, Reporter

What’s next

The Aces will look to finalize the details of Parker-Tyus' new contract and continue building their roster around their core group of players as they aim to defend their WNBA championship.

The takeaway

The Aces' ability to retain their championship core, including key role players like Parker-Tyus, will be crucial as they seek to repeat as WNBA champions. Their willingness to offer team-friendly deals demonstrates their commitment to keeping the team together and competing at the highest level.