Jackie Young Returning to Aces on 1-Year Deal

All-Star guard re-signs with reigning WNBA champions

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:27pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the frenetic energy and competitive spirit of a WNBA basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into a blur of movement and color.The Aces' dynamic backcourt duo of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray will look to lead the team to another WNBA championship in 2026.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Aces have secured the return of star guard Jackie Young, who has agreed to a one-year, $1.19 million contract to remain with the reigning WNBA champions. Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, has been a key part of the Aces' three title-winning teams over the past four seasons.

Why it matters

Keeping Young in the fold is a major win for the Aces as they look to run it back with their championship roster. Young has developed into one of the league's premier two-way guards, and her return alongside fellow superstar A'ja Wilson gives the Aces an excellent chance to repeat as WNBA champions.

The details

Young did not take meetings with other teams, focusing her free agency negotiations solely on re-signing with the Aces. The team has also retained the rights to NaLyssa Smith and Kierstan Bell by sending them qualifying offers, though they will be missing 2025 rookie Aaliyah Nye, who was selected in the WNBA expansion draft by the Toronto Tempo.

  • Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
  • Young has helped the Aces win three championships over the past four seasons.
  • Young's new one-year, $1.19 million contract will keep her in Las Vegas for the 2026 season.

The players

Jackie Young

A star guard for the Las Vegas Aces who has been a key part of the team's three WNBA championship teams over the past four seasons.

A'ja Wilson

The Aces' superstar forward who has verbally committed to re-signing with the team.

NaLyssa Smith

A forward for the Aces who has received a qualifying offer from the team.

Kierstan Bell

A guard for the Aces who has received a qualifying offer from the team.

Aaliyah Nye

The Aces' 2025 rookie who was selected in the WNBA expansion draft by the Toronto Tempo.

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What they’re saying

“This is a 10/10 move for the reigning champion Aces, as Young was one of the hottest names on the free agency market — especially among players that hadn't vocally committed to staying with their 2025 teams.”

— Chelsea Leite, SB Nation Reporter

What’s next

The Aces will now turn their attention to re-signing veteran point guard Chelsea Gray, who was also a key part of their championship team.

The takeaway

By retaining Jackie Young, the Aces have kept their championship core intact and positioned themselves as the favorites to repeat as WNBA champions in 2026. Young's return, along with the expected re-signing of A'ja Wilson, gives the Aces an excellent chance to continue their dynasty in the league.