Full Breakdown
Jackie Young Signs $1.19 Million Deal to Stay with Defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces
5/27/2026, 11:33:27 PM
Core Agreement: One-Year Contract at the League’s Maximum Salary
Sources told ESPN on Thursday that the Las Vegas Aces are finalizing a one-year contract with guard Jackie Young at the regular maximum base salary of $1.19 million. Young, a guard, was projected to be a highly sought free agent, yet she declined meetings with other clubs, positioning the Aces to secure her for the upcoming season.
Background: Aces’ Championship Run and the “Big Three”
The Aces entered the 2025 campaign as defending champions and have amassed three titles in the past four seasons, including the most recent 2025 championship. Central to that success is the “big three” of Jackie Young, four-time MVP A’ja Wilson (who has already stated her intent to return), and six-time All-Star Chelsea Gray.
Key Players: Profiles of the Core Trio
Jackie Young
A six-foot guard, Young was selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 draft out of Notre Dame, where she contributed to a 2018 national championship. She is a four-time All-Star, two-time all-WNBA selection, and earned the league’s Most Improved Player award in 2022. Internationally, she captured Olympic gold medals with the U.S. 3x3 team in Tokyo and the 5-on-5 team in Paris.
A’ja Wilson
Wilson, a four-time MVP, has already confirmed her intent to return to Las Vegas for the next season, reinforcing the Aces’ frontcourt continuity.
Chelsea Gray
Gray, a six-time All-Star, provides veteran scoring and perimeter defense, completing the trio that has driven the Aces’ recent dominance.
Data & Statistics: Contract, Performance, and Accolades
- Contract: one-year, $1.19 million (regular max).
- Draft: No. 1 overall, 2019, Notre Dame.
- Height: 6 ft.
- 2025 season averages: 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game.
- Awards: Four-time All-Star, two-time all-WNBA, 2022 Most Improved Player, two Olympic gold medals, 2018 collegiate national champion.
Official Sources & Gaps
The ESPN report cites unnamed insiders within the Aces organization confirming the contract terms and Young’s decision to forgo discussions with rival teams. The franchise has not issued a formal public statement, leaving the reported details as the primary source of information on the agreement.
Strategic Significance: Roster Continuity and Chemistry
Securing Young at the league’s maximum salary preserves the continuity of the Aces’ most productive lineup. Retaining the “big three” minimizes roster turnover and sustains on-court chemistry.
Why It Matters: Continuity as a Driver of Recent Success
The Aces have won three championships in four years, with Young identified as a crucial contributor. Retaining this group maintains the on-court chemistry that has underpinned recent success and aligns with the franchise’s demonstrated approach of building around a stable core.
Future Outlook: Prospects for the 2026 Campaign
With the contract expected to be finalized before the start of preseason, the Aces will commence the 2026 schedule with a stable core.
