Full Breakdown
Las Vegas Aces Overlooked for White House Visit After 2025 WNBA Title
6/11/2026, 10:14:52 PM
Championship Win and White House Invitation Status
The Las Vegas Aces captured the 2025 WNBA championship by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury 4-0 in the league’s first best-of-seven Finals. Despite the historic victory, a team spokesperson confirmed to USA Today that the Aces “did not receive an invitation to the White House after winning the 2025 league title in October.” The squad considered commemorating the win with a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture while in Washington for a July 22 road game against the Mystics, but scheduling conflicts prevented that option.
Historical Context of White House Visits for Women’s Basketball
White House ceremonies for championship teams have been a long-standing tradition. President Barack Obama hosted the Chicago Sky in 2022 and the New York Liberty in 2024, the latter meeting the former president and former first lady Michelle Obama during a Washington road game. Former Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the Aces after their 2022 title, filling in for President Joe Biden, who was on vacation. Biden later hosted the Seattle Storm in 2021. By contrast, President Donald Trump has not yet hosted any NBA or WNBA championship team during his tenure.
Key Figures and Organizational Responses
- President Donald Trump – No public comment; the White House did not respond to media inquiries.
- A’ja Wilson – The Aces’ star publicly expressed frustration on X, noting the platform’s refusal to let her quote-tweet the president’s message and writing “BFFR.” She also asked, “When is our White House visit cause…”
- Team Spokesperson – Confirmed the lack of an invitation and the attempted museum visit.
- Breanna Stewart – Liberty forward recalled her 2024 White House dinner, describing it as “amazing” and “way more intimate” than previous college visits.
Timeline of Relevant Events
- October 2025 – Aces win WNBA championship.
- Early 2025 – Team spokesperson informs media of no White House invitation.
- July 22 2025 – Aces play Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena; museum visit considered but not scheduled.
- 2022-2024 – Prior WNBA champions (Chicago Sky, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm) receive White House or Obama-family honors.
Official Statements & Responses
The White House declined to comment. The Aces’ spokesperson reiterated that no invitation was extended and that the team explored alternative celebrations in Washington. Former Vice President Harris’s 2022 meeting with the Aces remains the most recent presidential engagement for the franchise. President Biden’s earlier tweet celebrating the Las Vegas Golden Knights was criticized by Wilson, who posted a terse response on X.
Criticism, Opposition, and Fan Reactions
Social-media users largely dismissed the snub as expected. One fan wrote, “They wouldn’t have gone anyways ????,” while another suggested the team “could care less.” Commentators noted that Trump’s prior joke about possibly being impeached for not inviting the U.S. women’s hockey team underscores a pattern of selective recognition for women’s sports.
Impact and Significance
The omission highlights how White House invitations have become a political litmus test for sports teams, especially under the Trump administration. The Aces’ experience may influence how future champions plan celebratory events, potentially favoring cultural institutions over presidential ceremonies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Las Vegas Aces did not receive an invitation to the White House after winning the 2025 league title in October.” — Team spokesperson, USA Today
- “Twitter not letting me quote tweet potus tweet but …BFFR.” — A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces forward
- “When is our White House visit cause...,” — A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces forward
- “It was amazing,” — Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty forward
- “I’ve been to the White House when I won in college and stuff like that, but this was way more intimate.” — Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty forward
What’s Next
The Aces will face the Washington Mystics on July 22 at CareFirst Arena. With the White House invitation absent, the franchise may reschedule a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture later in the season, pending logistical alignment.
