The Las Vegas Aces are shaking things up in their front office with plans for a new general manager.
Changes in Leadership:
On Saturday, the Aces announced they are parting ways with GM Natalie Williams as part of a big organizational overhaul. This decision comes after the team clinched WNBA championships back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 and made it to the semifinals in 2024. However, their journey ended when they lost to the New York Liberty this season, missing out on a three-peat.
Williams stepped into the GM role in 2022 and worked alongside head coach Becky Hammon to guide one of the league’s top teams. Her contract came to an end after the 2024 season, and the team chose not to renew it.
Natalie Williams’ Departure:
In response to her exit, Williams shared her thoughts through a statement: “It has been a joy and honor to serve as general manager of the Las Vegas Aces,” she expressed. “Winning two WNBA championships with this incredible group of players and staff has been a dream come true. I want to thank [owner] Mark Davis and the Aces Organization for the incredible opportunity to help lead this franchise. I love the WNBA, and it has been wonderful watching the growth of the game. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”
For fans, seeing such a successful GM leave is surprising.
From purely a basketball viewpoint, letting go of someone who helped shape one of the best teams seems startling. Yet despite their on-court success, some off-court issues have made her time there somewhat rocky.
Off-Court Challenges:
The Aces are currently under scrutiny by the league for possible salary cap violations while also dealing with legal troubles from former player Dearica Hamby. In August, Hamby sued them for alleged discrimination and retaliation due to her pregnancy. She was traded to Los Angeles Sparksโa move that was claimed by the Aces as purely strategic so they could sign Candace Parker.
As a result, Hammon received a two-game suspension without pay, and Las Vegas lost a first-round pick due to breaches in workplace policies set by both league and team.
Despite these hurdles, Las Vegas will still return next season with one of WNBA’s strongest squads ready for whoever steps into that new GM role!
