The Las Vegas Aces will open the 2026 WNBA season on May 9 against the Phoenix Mercury at T-Mobile Arena, the league announced Wednesday. For the first time in their three-title run, the Aces have a chance to celebrate a championship in front of their home fans — the 2025 title was clinched in Phoenix.
Key matchups to watch
The Aces face the Indiana Fever on Aug. 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Last season’s semifinals series was a physical battle that pushed Las Vegas to the brink, and Indiana star Caitlin Clark, who missed most of 2025 with injuries, is expected to be healthy.
May 23 brings the Los Angeles Sparks to town, renewing a rivalry sparked by the offseason trade that sent Kelsey Plum to L.A. and brought Jewell Loyd to Las Vegas. Dearica Hamby called it a rivalry last season; Plum disagreed, but the first 2026 meeting is loaded with storylines.
On July 3, the Chicago Sky visit T-Mobile Arena. Former Aces assistant Tyler Marsh, now Chicago’s head coach, knows Becky Hammon’s system intimately. Sky frontcourt stars Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese also have personal ties to A’ja Wilson.
The Aces travel to Golden State on May 31 to face the Valkyries, coached by another former assistant, Natalie Nakase. Nakase won Coach of the Year after leading the expansion team to the playoffs, and the Valkyries’ passionate fan base gave them a strong home-court advantage in 2025.
