The Las Vegas Aces are one step closer to keeping their championship core intact. According to Alexa Philippou, the Aces are finalizing a one-year max deal with Jackie Young worth $1.19 million. The move signals clear intent that the Las Vegas is prioritizing continuity after winning three titles in the last four seasons. Championship windows don’t stay open long, but the Aces are doing everything they can to extend theirs.
Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, has developed into one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards. She averaged 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last season while shooting efficiently across the board. More importantly, her production scaled up when it mattered most.
In the 2025 playoffs, Young elevated her scoring to 20.4 points per game on 49.4 percent shooting from the field, an efficiency jump that underscores her value in high-leverage moments. That kind of postseason translation is rare, and it’s a major reason Las Vegas is prioritizing her return early in free agency.
Jackie Young is A Core Piece of a Modern Dynasty
This isn’t just about bringing back a starter, it’s about preserving identity. The Aces have built a modern WNBA dynasty behind chemistry, spacing, and star-driven execution. Young fits perfectly within that structure as a secondary creator who can score without disrupting flow.
Her growth has been steady and tangible. Since winning Most Improved Player in 2022, Young has evolved from complementary guard to foundational piece. She doesn’t dominate the ball, but she consistently makes the right read, making her the perfect connecting piece next to talent like A’ja Wilson.
All Eyes Shift to Wilson and Gray
With Young secured, attention now shifts to star forward A’ja Wilson and veteran guard Chelsea Gray, the remaining pieces of the Aces’ Big Three. Wilson, the 2025 MVP, has already indicated she doesn’t plan to leave Las Vegas and is expected to sign a supermax deal soon. Gray’s situation carries more intrigue, but the blueprint is clear: keep the core together, and trust the results.
The reality is that most contenders are trying to build what Las Vegas already has. By locking in Young early, the Aces are sending a message to the rest of the league. They’re not rebuilding or retooling. They’re reloading around a core that already knows how to win. And if Wilson and Gray follow, Las Vegas won’t just be chasing another title, they’ll remain the standard.
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