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Rookie Justine Pissott Scores 19, Aces Rout Mercury

7/12/2026

Summary

Pissott Debut Burst

Justine Pissott scored 19 points in 10 minutes, hitting five three-pointers (5-for-6) in her WNBA debut for the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.
The Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 106-58, moving to 17-6 and tying for the Western Conference lead.
The Indiana Fever, who drafted Pissott 25th overall, declined to match the Aces’ offer because it would require waiving either Grace VanSlooten or Damiris Dantas, prompting fan criticism.

Summary

NBC Launches Prime-Time

NBC will debut “Sunday Night Basketball” on July 12 with the Las Vegas Aces-Indiana Fever game, the WNBA’s first prime-time network broadcast.
The broadcast team includes Zora Stephenson (play-by-play), Sarah Kustok (analyst), Ashley ShahAhmadi (courtside), host Maria Taylor and analysts Cheryl Miller and Sue Bird.
NBC’s $2.2 billion, 11-year rights deal from 2024 gives four Sunday games and aims to deliver an inclusive broadcast for longtime fans and new viewers.

History

Historical Context

The NBA founded the WNBA in 1996, and its 1997 inaugural season featured eight teams, with the Houston Comets defeating the New York Liberty for the first championship. Over two decades the league expanded to 15 teams and, after multiple ownership changes, now sees the Las Vegas Aces hosting the Indiana Fever, reflecting its growth from a modest start.

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Pissott Debut Burst

Justine Pissott scored 19 points in 10 minutes, hitting five three-pointers (5-for-6) in her WNBA debut for the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.
The Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 106-58, moving to 17-6 and tying for the Western Conference lead.
The Indiana Fever, who drafted Pissott 25th overall, declined to match the Aces’ offer because it would require waiving either Grace VanSlooten or Damiris Dantas, prompting fan criticism.

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