The Las Vegas Aces suffered their first setback of WNBA free agency on Sunday, losing backup center Megan Gustafson to the expansion Portland Fire. The two-year contract is protected, worth $500,000 in Year 1 and $525,000 in Year 2, according to ESPN.
Gustafson, a 6-foot-3 center from Iowa, spent the past two seasons with the Aces after being acquired in the 2024 offseason. She played a key role off the bench during the Aces’ 2025 championship run, returning from a lower left leg injury sustained in training camp to appear in 20 games. She averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game.
In 2024, Gustafson appeared in 38 games, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10.7 minutes. She scored a career-high 24 points against the Dallas Wings on Sept. 19, 2024, and reached double figures in three games that season. Originally drafted No. 17 overall by the Wings in 2019, she also spent two years with the Phoenix Mercury before joining Las Vegas.
Gustafson and her corgi, Pancake, were fan favorites. Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson even gifted her a custom pair of A’Ones last season featuring the dog’s design.
While Gustafson departs, the Aces have been active in retaining core pieces. Guard Jackie Young was the first reported signing, followed by Jewell Loyd. The Review-Journal reported Friday that the team agreed to a three-year deal with point guard Chelsea Gray worth $1 million in 2026, $1.05 million in 2027, and $1.1 million in 2028. Forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus re-signed on a one-year deal Saturday. However, the Aces missed out on All-Star forward Gabby Williams, who signed with the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday.
As of Sunday, only forward Kierstan Bell is listed on the roster, though multiple deals are pending. The Aces tendered a restricted qualifying offer to NaLyssa Smith, acquired from the Wings last season for a first-round pick. Because Smith’s rookie contract is expiring, the Aces can match any offer she receives.
The Aces are still awaiting a new contract from A’ja Wilson, who is expected to sign the supermax of $1.4 million, as reported last month. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the Aces must roster 12 players. They have no first-round pick but will add two players in Monday’s WNBA draft.
Center Kiah Stokes and guard Dana Evans, both unrestricted free agents from the 2025 title team, have not yet announced their plans.
