Las Vegas Aces Re-Sign Gray, Young & Loyd: WNBA Champs Keep Core Intact

The Aces' decision to retain their title-winning trio highlights the value of stability and continuity in the evolving WNBA landscape.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:08am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors that capture the dynamic energy and movement of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' identities obscured in a burst of color.The Las Vegas Aces' decision to retain their championship-winning core signals a strategic approach to building a winning team in the evolving WNBA landscape.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Aces are set to bring back their core group of players - Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd - who led the team to the WNBA championship last year. This decision underscores the Aces' strategic approach to building a winning team and the impact of the new WNBA labor deal, which has significantly increased player salaries and empowered athletes to demand better conditions.

Why it matters

The Aces' focus on retaining their title-winning core is a testament to the value of stability in sports, as the team looks to build upon its existing success. This approach may seem conservative, but it could also be seen as a calculated risk, as the Aces have already tasted victory and know what it takes to win.

The details

With the new WNBA labor deal, average player salaries have risen nearly fourfold, giving players more power to negotiate and demand better conditions. This shift has likely influenced the Aces' decision to retain their core, as they navigate the free agency market with a fresh set of opportunities and expectations.

  • The Aces won the WNBA championship in 2025.

The players

Chelsea Gray

A key member of the Aces' title-winning team in 2025.

Jackie Young

Another core player who helped the Aces win the WNBA championship in 2025.

Jewell Loyd

The third member of the Aces' title-winning trio who will be re-signed for the 2026 season.

Las Vegas Aces

The WNBA team that won the championship in 2025 and is now re-signing its core players for the 2026 season.

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What’s next

The Aces will look to defend their WNBA title in the 2026 season with their core group of players intact.

The takeaway

The Aces' decision to re-sign their title-winning core highlights the value of stability and continuity in the evolving WNBA landscape, where the new labor deal has significantly increased player salaries and empowered athletes to demand better conditions.