Las Vegas Aces Secure Jackie Young on Max Deal to Bolster Title Defense
The reigning WNBA champions move one step closer to keeping their dynasty intact as the free agency market heats up.
The Las Vegas Aces have successfully navigated one of the most precarious moments of their off-season. According to reports from Alexa Philippou of ESPN, superstar guard Jackie Young is returning to the Aces on a one-year contract valued at $1.19 million.
This move represents a massive victory for the front office. Young was among the most coveted names in the WNBA free agency market, particularly as other stars remained noncommittal about their futures.
The decision to stay was not a foregone conclusion, yet Young reportedly eschewed meetings with other franchises to focus exclusively on her negotiations with the Aces. This loyalty ensures that a core component of the 2025 championship squad remains in place.
The Aces are not stopping with Young. The organization has already secured a verbal commitment from A’ja Wilson, who has expressed a deep devotion to the city and the pursuit of another title.
With Young and Wilson locked in, the focus now shifts to the final piece of the “Big Three”: Chelsea Gray. If the Aces can lure Gray back, the league’s most formidable trio will be reunited.
However, the roster has seen some turbulence. The team recently sent out qualifying offers to Kierstan Bell and NaLyssa Smith to gauge their interest in returning. Meanwhile, the Aces suffered a blow in the WNBA expansion draft, losing 2025 rookie Aaliyah Nye to the Toronto Tempo.
Can the Aces overcome the loss of young talent like Nye to maintain their dominance? Furthermore, does the rest of the league have a viable blueprint to stop a reunited Aces core?
The statistics suggest that Young remains indispensable. During the 2025 campaign, she posted 16.5 points and 5.1 assists per game, while setting a personal best with 4.5 rebounds per contest. Her versatility as a two-way threat is a cornerstone of the Aces’ defensive and offensive identity.
The Evolution of a Dynasty: Jackie Young’s Impact
To understand the magnitude of this signing, one must look at Jackie Young’s trajectory since arriving in Las Vegas. Since her rookie year, Young has evolved from a high-potential prospect into one of the premier two-way guards in professional basketball.
Her ability to balance elite scoring with tenacious perimeter defense provides the Aces with a tactical flexibility that few teams can match. This versatility is a primary reason why the WNBA continues to see the Aces as the gold standard for roster construction.
The partnership between Young, Wilson, and Gray creates a synergistic effect where no single player is the sole focal point, forcing opposing defenses into impossible choices. By securing Young on a max deal, the Aces have essentially signaled that they are not in a rebuilding phase, but a reinforcing one.
For a deeper look at how these contracts affect the league’s salary cap, fans can monitor ESPN’s WNBA coverage, which tracks the financial shifts of the league’s top earners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jackie Young re-sign with the Las Vegas Aces?
Yes, Jackie Young has agreed to return to the Las Vegas Aces on a one-year max contract.
What is Jackie Young’s current contract value with the Las Vegas Aces?
The deal is reported to be a one-year agreement worth $1.19 million.
Who are the key players returning to the Las Vegas Aces for the 2026 season?
The Aces have secured Jackie Young and received a verbal commitment from A’ja Wilson to remain with the team.
Why did the Las Vegas Aces lose Aaliyah Nye?
Aaliyah Nye was selected by the Toronto Tempo during the WNBA expansion draft.
What were Jackie Young’s stats during the Las Vegas Aces’ 2025 championship run?
Young averaged 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, and a career-high 4.5 rebounds per game during the 2025 season.
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