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Las Vegas Aces Finalize One-Year Max Deal with Guard Jackie Young

5/2/2026, 3:39:16 AM

Contract Agreement and Core Details

Sources reported on Thursday that the Las Vegas Aces are finalizing a one-year contract with guard Jackie Young at the league’s regular maximum salary of $1.19 million. The agreement follows a free-agency period in which Young declined meetings with other teams, positioning the Aces to retain the core of their championship roster.

Background: Aces’ Championship Core Development

The Aces entered the 2025 season as defending WNBA champions, having secured three titles in four years. Central to that success is the “big three” of Jackie Young, four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, and six-time All-Star Chelsea Gray. Wilson has publicly confirmed her intention to return to Las Vegas, reinforcing the team’s continuity.

Key Figures

  • Jackie Young – Four-time All-Star, two-time All-WNBA selection, drafted No. 1 overall in 2019 out of Notre Dame. She has spent her entire professional career with the Aces.
  • A’ja Wilson – Four-time MVP who has already announced plans to remain with the Aces for the upcoming season.
  • Chelsea Gray – Six-time All-Star and integral component of the Aces’ recent championship runs.

Statistical Overview of Jackie Young (2025)

In the 2025 season, Young posted averages of 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Her performance contributed to the Aces’ title defense and underscored her status as one of the league’s premier two-way players.

Official Statements & Responses

A source indicated that A’ja Wilson has explicitly stated her intent to return to Las Vegas for the next season. Additionally, the same source confirmed that Young chose not to engage in discussions with rival franchises, signaling her preference to continue with the Aces.

Timeline of Jackie Young’s Career Milestones

  • 2018 – Won the NCAA national championship with Notre Dame.
  • 2019 – Selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.
  • 2022 – Earned the WNBA Most Improved Player award.
  • 2025 – Contributed to the Aces’ third championship in four years; recorded the statistical averages listed above.
  • 2025-2026 – Negotiated a one-year max contract to remain with the Aces.

Implications for the Upcoming Season

Securing Young at the maximum salary ensures that the Aces retain the full complement of their championship core. The continuity of Young, Wilson, and Gray is expected to preserve the team’s competitive edge and maintain its status as a leading contender in the league.

What’s Next

The finalized contract will be announced publicly ahead of the start of the next WNBA season. The Aces will enter training camp with their established “big three,” positioning the franchise to defend its title and continue its recent period of sustained success.