Las Vegas Aces to Host Japan National Team in Preseason Exhibition

The WNBA franchise will face the Japan Women's National Team on April 26 at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game between the Las Vegas Aces and Japan National Team, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the court.An international exhibition match between the Las Vegas Aces and Japan National Team showcases the growing global reach of women's basketball.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Aces will host the Japan Women's National Team in a preseason exhibition game on April 26 at Michelob ULTRA Arena as the Aces prepare for their 30th season. The game will tip off at 5 p.m. and is part of the Aces' preparations for the 2026 WNBA season, which will include the team's third championship ring ceremony on May 9.

Why it matters

This will be the third time the Aces franchise has faced an international national team, providing a valuable test against high-level competition before the regular season. Japan is currently ranked 10th in the world and 3rd in Asia, and recently qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

The details

The Aces will host the Japan Women's National Team, which is coached by Corey Gaines, who led the Phoenix Mercury to the 2009 WNBA championship. Japan's roster will feature several players with WNBA experience, including Rui Machida (Washington Mystics, 2022) and Ramu Tokashiki (Seattle Storm, 2015-2017).

  • The exhibition game will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026 at 5 p.m.
  • The Aces' 2026 season will officially tip off with their 2025 championship ring ceremony on May 9, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena.

The players

Corey Gaines

The head coach of the Japan Women's National Team, who previously led the Phoenix Mercury to the 2009 WNBA championship.

Mai Yamamoto

A member of the Japan Women's National Team who earned an All-Star Five selection at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament, leading Japan in scoring, steals, and efficiency.

Rui Machida

A player on the Japan Women's National Team roster who has WNBA experience with the Washington Mystics in 2022.

Ramu Tokashiki

A player on the Japan Women's National Team roster who has WNBA experience with the Seattle Storm from 2015-2017.

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What’s next

The Aces' 2026 season officially tips off with their 2025 championship ring ceremony at T-Mobile Arena on May 9, 2026. The first 7,500 fans at that opener will receive a 'Three of a Kind' flag, replicating items seen at the team's third championship celebration.

The takeaway

The Aces' preseason exhibition against the Japan Women's National Team provides an opportunity for the franchise to test itself against high-level international competition as it prepares for its 30th WNBA season, while also showcasing the growth of women's basketball globally.