Casino Giant Picks Name For Vegas Basketball TeamMGM's Las Vegas Aces To Kick Off Season In May 2018 |
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Casino and entertainment conglomerate MGM Resorts International has selected a new name for the WNBA franchise formerly known as the San Antonio Stars.
MGM will call the team the Las Vegas Aces, according to a press release. The casino company announced in October that it was acquiring the franchise and relocating it to the U.S. gambling hub. The move follows the debut of an NHL team in Sin City, as well as the NFL’s decision to approve the Oakland Raiders’ plan to play in Las Vegas.
“Selecting a new name is an important and symbolic step,” said former NBA all-star Bill Laimbeer, the team’s new coach. “Las Vegas has enthusiastically embraced us, and we’re incredibly excited for this opportunity. We have a strong roster driven to succeed, which makes this name an ideal choice. ‘Las Vegas Aces’ is a nod to the excellence, confidence and competitive spirit of our new hometown.”
The team has been among the worst in the 12-team league over the past three years.
The Aces will play their games next year at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. MGM said that 17 home games are “expected.” Season tickets will go on sale to the public in early 2018, MGM added. The season begins in May.
According to LegalSportsReport, MGM will not allow bets on the team at its casinos due to a conflict of interest. However, other casino firms will take action on the team. There are close to 200 sports books in Nevada.
The Aces will be the third WNBA franchise not to share a market with an NBA team. The team’s former owner was the parent company of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.
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