Las Vegas opens its WNBA title defense on Saturday, going up against 2025 runner-up Phoenix in a rematch of last year’s cutthroat finals series.
The Aces swept the Mercury to win the league’s first-ever best-of-seven finals, lifting a third trophy in the last five years after just four games.
“We just got swept — you would have some motivation too, right?” Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper said this week. “That’s big time, 1,000%.”
With both teams retaining key talent, the clash features reigning four-time MVP A’ja Wilson going head-to-head with six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas.
“First and foremost, it’s just about starting day one, laying the foundation for us,” Thomas said. “We let one go in the finals, something we definitely don’t forget.”
“I like making people mad. I like proving people wrong,” Wilson said, detailing her WNBA motivations. “I like to let people just burn because me and my team are doing great.”
Where to Watch Las Vegas vs. Phoenix in WNBA Opening Weekend
The Las Vegas Aces take on the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday at 3:30 ET, live on ABC.
