Newly released footage also appears to show the refs allowing A’ja Wilson to commit aggressive, unchecked fouls against multiple Indiana Fever players during Game 5 of the playoffs — sparking renewed outrage from fans and players alike.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced major disciplinary actions following a serious breach of integrity during the playoffs.
Several referees have been found guilty of cheating to influence the outcome of Game 5 between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever.
As a result, the league will be terminating their employment and imposing a combined $500,000 in fines.
The situation has escalated further, with one referee now facing possible prison time due to the severity of their involvement.
While full details have yet to be released, the WNBA emphasized that these actions reflect its firm stance against any form of corruption or misconduct.
The league stated that protecting the integrity of the game is a top priority, and it is committed to taking strong measures to ensure fairness, accountability, and trust in the sport moving forward.
Shocking WNBA Finals Ticket Prices for Aces vs Mercury Game 1 are Embarrassing
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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) dribbles against Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (Candice Ward-Imagn Images)
The time for talking is over as the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury will get into action to see who will walk away with the championship.
The Aces defeated the Indiana Fever, 107-98, in a back-and-forth winner-take-all Game 5 to return to the Finals.
The Mercury earned their spot in the Finals by defeating the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx, who had lost their best player to injury.
Now, the Aces and the Mercury head to a best-of-seven game series in the Finals, starting Friday.
Unfortunately, fans don’t have much demand to get inside Michelob ULTRA Arena to watch Game 1.
The get-in price for tonight’s Game 1 matchup is going for as low as $35, according to Tick Pick. That is for a seat in the nosebleed sections.
Even if you wanted to sit lower, the prices range from $58 to $75. It is a huge bargain to see a Finals matchup.
Aces And Mercury Looking To Return To The Mountain Top
Aug 21, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) fouls Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) in the third quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Las Vegas and Phoenix are trying to return to the top of the WNBA.
The Aces have won two WNBA championships, in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, they defeated the Mercury 2-0 in the first round on their way to taking down Connecticut in the Finals. The following year, they beat the New York Liberty to secure their second-straight title.
The Phoenix Mercury have won the WNBA Championship three times, in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Diana Taurasi was a key player on all three championship-winning teams. The dynamic legend retired last year, so this will be the first time the franchise has to play in the Finals without her.
Additionally, the Mercury lost Brittany Griner during the offseason, and now they find themselves three wins away from bringing home a title. Phoenix has come a long way from being mocked after they complained about playing in back-to-back games during the season.
