LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The 2026 WNBA draft took place on Monday, April 13, but the Las Vegas Aces made moves ahead of the first picks to keep their core intact.
The WNBA free agency signing window opened over the weekend, and the Aces quickly went to work, signaling their priorities for this season and the future.
Guard Jackie Young headlined the early activity, making league history as the first WNBA player to sign a $1 million contract under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.
Las Vegas also re-signed Chelsea Gray through the 2028 season and brought back or added Jewell Loyd, Nalyssa Smith, Kiersten Bell, Dana Evans, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus.
There has been no official update yet on A’ja Wilson, but the team expects that to come in time.
Wilson has publicly expressed her desire to stay in Las Vegas long-term.
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The Aces are coming off their third championship in four seasons and appear to be sticking with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach as they build toward another title run.
For the second straight year, the Aces do not have a first-round selection after trading it away in the Jewell Loyd deal last offseason.
During the 2026 WNBA Draft, the Las Vegas Aces selected Tennessee forward Janiah Barker with the No. 29 overall pick and Kentucky guard Jordan Obi at No. 44 in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the team said.
“We’re eager to see both our rookies hit the ground running and learning from experienced veterans on a championship caliber team,” said Nikki Fargas, Las Vegas Aces president and GM.
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