The Las Vegas Aces, once the powerhouse of the WNBA, are falling apart before our eyes. A shocking leaked interview with A’ja Wilson, the MVP and former face of the franchise, has exposed the deep cracks within the organization. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the league, raising questions about the team’s culture, leadership, and future.
The Aces have lost nearly their entire roster. If you compare last season’s championship squad to what remains now, the changes are staggering. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray are the only notable holdovers. Gone are Kelsey Plum, Tiffany Hayes, and Alicia Clark. Even longtime role players have jumped ship, leaving the Aces scrambling to fill roster spots with minimum-contract players. What happened?
Wilson’s Explosive Confession
Wilson’s leaked interview is a game-changer. In it, she doesn’t hold back:
“It wasn’t a championship locker room. Out the gate, going into training camp, I was like, ‘We ain’t got it.’”
These words sent shockwaves through the league. How could a team that won back-to-back championships suddenly unravel? Wilson’s brutally honest take painted a picture of a team that was never as unified as it seemed.
She revealed ongoing tension, unchecked egos, and a lack of true leadership. Despite her efforts to be the best teammate and leader possible, the chemistry simply wasn’t there. She even admitted she spoke to Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray about the need for more leadership in the locker room. Her words weren’t just a critique—they were a prophecy of what was to come.
The Fallout: Why Did So Many Players Leave?
The floodgates opened after Wilson’s comments, with players choosing to leave rather than stay in a fractured environment. Let’s break down the key departures:
Kelsey Plum: The sharpshooter left for the Los Angeles Sparks, signaling a major shift.
Tiffany Hayes: Opted to join the upstart Golden State Valkyrie, despite being named Sixth Player of the Year.
Sydney Colson: Wilson’s best friend left for the Indiana Fever, adding another layer to the drama.
Each departure adds to the growing evidence that players wanted out. Wilson’s honesty in her interview may have been the final push for many.
The Aces Are No Longer a Super Team
For years, the Aces were a dream destination. Veterans would take pay cuts just to play in Las Vegas and compete for a ring. But now? That dream has turned into a nightmare. The team that once struck fear in opponents is now scrambling to stay relevant.
Even with the addition of Jewell Loyd, it’s clear the Aces are not the force they once were. Their bench is depleted, and their chemistry is in question. The back-to-back champions are now a shell of their former selves.
Chiefs superfan Caitlin Clark surprised fellow Iowa alum Cooper DeJean after winning Super Bowl LIX
The Philadelphia Eagles have won their second ever Lombardi trophy as they demolished Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. A major part of that demolition saw young defenders setting the tone. One of them was rookie Cooper DeJean , who had a major impact early on.
In the second quarter, the Eagles were up 10-0, but everyone knew it was nothing for the back-to-back Super Bowl MVP. On the next drive, the Eagles defensive line did their job as they sacked the Chiefs QB twice pegging the Chiefs back to their own 24-yard line.
On the next play, the Eagles front four forced Patrick Mahomes to scramble to his right. As he threw a pass down the middle, Cooper DeJean diagnosed the play on the fly and ran into the path of the ball. He intercepted it and then dodged a number of Chiefs players to score a pick-6.
That play was the first major impactful play of Super Bowl LIX . His play broke the hearts of Chiefs fans, particularly a fellow Iowa Hawkeyes alum in Caitlin Clark , who he has had a lot of banter in the past. He revealed on Up & Adams that she sent him a message after the game.
She sent me a nice message, congratulating me. That was nice of her, being a Chiefs fan and all. – Cooper DeJean said
He understands that Caitlin Clark is a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. But she was being nice to her fellow college mate after he won a major championship. She might be bummed about her Chiefs but at least congratulated the one who won.
Cooper DeJean still in shock after Super Bowl LIX impact
Cooper DeJean is going to be known as the rookie who scored a pick 6 against Patrick Mahomes. Picking off the best quarterback in the league is one thing. Doing it in the biggest stage of all and taking it to the house is another. Host Dan Patrick asked the defensive back about this achievement on his podcast.
I don’t think I’ve processed it yet. Three and a half years ago, I was in high school, and now I’m playing on the biggest stage in football, the Super Bowl.
He added that he has kept the ball as it will be one of the best memories of his career. But he realizes he has taken a leap after playing in high school a little less than four years ago. Then after being labeled as a returner and defensive back, the Philadelphia Eagles took a chance on him early in the 2nd round.
Credit Howie Roseman for believing the Iowa Hawkeye star was worth the pick. Now DeJean and his fellow young defenders have shown the NFL world what it takes to beat the best quarterback and team in the league.
