When A'ja Wilson, forward for Las Vegas Aces erupted for a career‑high 34 points, the crowd at the Footprint Center knew they were witnessing something special. The Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 90‑88 on October 8, 2025, sealing a 3‑0 sweep in the 2025 WNBA FinalsPhoenix, Arizona and clinching the league’s third straight championship for Las Vegas. The drama, the clatter of sneakers, the roar of a sold‑out arena – it all boiled down to a sweep that will be talked about for years.
Game 3 Recap: A Nail‑Biting Sweep
The final was a rollercoaster. The Aces started with a 24‑27 first‑quarter deficit, but Becky Hammon’s sideline adjustments turned the tide. By halftime the score was tied at 46‑46, thanks to Wilson’s relentless post work and Jackie Young’s precision from the perimeter. The third quarter belonged to Las Vegas: a 30‑24 burst gave them a comfortable lead. Phoenix never gave up, rattling off 17 points in the fourth, but a clutch three from Jewell Loyd and a steal‑and‑fast‑break by Young sealed the 90‑88 win.
Key Performances and Stats
Beyond Wilson’s glittering line, a handful of other numbers stood out:
- Jackie Young (age 26) logged 21 points, 9 assists and 2 steals, becoming the primary playmaker.
- Jewell Loyd, the veteran guard at 31, added 16 points, pulled down 7 rebounds and knocked down 4 three‑pointers.
- For Phoenix, Brittney Griner managed 19 points and 8 rebounds, but the team missed her usual dominance due to a sore ankle.
- The Aces’ shooting percentage hit 48.9% overall, while the Mercury managed 44.1%.
- Turnovers were a deciding factor: Las Vegas committed 9, Arizona recorded 14.
Wilson’s 34‑point effort also earned her the Finals MVP award – her first such honor despite two previous championships. The award was presented on the court by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engle, who praised Wilson’s “battle‑tested leadership.”
Coaches, Owners, and the Road to the Finals
Becky Hammon, head coach of the Aces has become a poster‑child for the evolution of women in professional basketball. After breaking NBA history as the first full‑time female assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, she took over the Aces in 2022 and has never looked back. Her defensive schemes forced the Mercury into low‑percentage shots at critical moments.
The ownership side is equally compelling. Mark Davis, billionaire proprietor of the Las Vegas Raiders, bought the Aces in 2018. His investment unlocked a state‑of‑the‑art training facility in Summerlin and helped attract top free agents, paving the way for a three‑peat.
On the other sideline, Nikki Blue, former UCLA star and head coach of the Mercury since 2023, struggled to contain the Aces’ interior play. Nevertheless, she praised her squad’s resilience, noting that “the experience gained this postseason will fuel our next campaign.”
Both franchises trace deep roots back to the league’s founding in 1997. The Aces began as the Utah Starzz, migrated to San Antonio in 2003, and finally settled in Las Vegas in 2018. The Mercury, an original franchise, have three titles (2007, 2009, 2014) but fell short of a fourth.
What This Sweep Means for the League
From a business standpoint, the series finale attracted over 2.1 million live viewers on YouTube TV, part of the WNBA’s multi‑year streaming partnership with Google. Advertisers paid premium rates for the final, signaling growing confidence in women’s sports as a revenue driver.
Competitive balance, however, is a hot topic. The Aces finished the regular season 30‑14, four games behind the Minnesota Lynx, yet rode a 16‑game winning streak into the playoffs. Critics argue that the dynasty could dampen parity, but supporters point to the excitement of rivalries – especially the growing Arizona‑Nevada tension.
Financially, the champions split a bonus pool determined by the 2020‑2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement, with each player receiving a share that could push total earnings toward the $228,094 cap for the 2025 season. The extra money, combined with increased endorsement deals after the sweep, means the Aces’ core will likely stay together for another year.
Looking Ahead: Next Season Outlook
The 2026 season looms with a handful of storylines:
- Will Wilson, now a two‑time Finals MVP, stay healthy enough to chase a fourth straight title?
- How will Hammon tweak her rotation to keep opponents guessing, especially after losing Kelly Keenan to free agency?
- Can the Mercury regroup under Blue and reclaim their former glory, perhaps by signing a veteran point guard?
- Will the WNBA’s streaming deal expand to other platforms, widening the fan base beyond YouTube TV?
- What impact will the new salary‑cap increase have on mid‑tier teams like the Seattle Storm?
Regardless of the answers, the sweep has already etched the 2025 Aces into the league’s modern mythology. Fans will be lining up at the new Las Vegas arena next summer, hoping to catch a glimpse of Wilson’s still‑glowing performance.
Key Facts
- Final score: Las Vegas Aces 90, Phoenix Mercury 88
- Date & venue: October 8, 2025, Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
- Finals MVP: A'ja Wilson
- Series result: 3‑0 sweep
- Broadcast: YouTube TV (streaming)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Aces’ sweep affect their chances in the next season?
The sweep boosts confidence and secures a core roster under contract, meaning the Aces enter 2026 with minimal turnover. However, opponents will study their playbook closely, so Hammon will need to innovate to stay ahead.
What were the biggest tactical adjustments that turned the series in Las Vegas’ favor?
Hammon emphasized spacing and post‑up play after Game 1, feeding Wilson in the low block where she could draw double teams and open up shooters like Young and Loyd. Defensively, the Aces switched to a aggressive half‑court press that forced the Mercury into 14 turnovers across the series.
Who are the standout players for the Phoenix Mercury despite the loss?
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while veteran guard DeWanna Bonner contributed 15 points and 5 assists. Both players kept the contest close, especially in the final minutes of Game 3.
What does this championship mean for the WNBA’s viewership growth?
The finals attracted a record streaming audience on YouTube TV, indicating that the league’s digital‑first strategy is paying off. Advertisers are now willing to pay higher CPMs, which could fund further expansion of teams and player salaries.
Will the salary cap increase impact competitive balance in upcoming seasons?
The new cap, set at $228,094 for 2025, allows mid‑tier teams to retain key talent and attract free agents. While powerhouses like the Aces can still outspend, the higher ceiling narrows the gap for clubs like Seattle and Dallas.
