The Las Vegas Aces announced a three-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with Ally earlier this month.
That’s right — the Aces have a new Ally, and a new jersey patch sponsor to show for it.
The partnership took nearly 18 months to come to fruition, but sometimes good things take time.
And that was the case with this deal.
For the Aces, they’ve been without a jersey patch sponsor since 2020, when they wore an MGM patch on their shoulder. Team President Nikki Fargas was hesitant to ink an agreement until they found the right partner.
“Well, we were very patient,” Fargas said in a statement. “We wanted to make sure our partner aligned with who we are and what we stand for. And Ally does just that.”
Ally has been on a mission to equally split its investments in men’s and women’s sports by 2027. Partnering with the Aces brings them one step closer to reaching that 50-50 goal.
“I don’t know what rock people are living under right now but if you’re not looking to invest in women’s sports, and in particular women’s basketball, well, it’s going to be profitable sooner than later,” Fargas continued.
Ally also has deals with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
The Ally logo will appear on the front shoulder of all Aces game jerseys this season. And yes, that includes the Aces’ mascot, BUCKET$.
The deal also includes permanent and LED signage at Michelob Ultra Arena, media backdrop inclusion, regional TV ads, a digital presence on the Aces website, and a role as presenting sponsor of the Aces Community Corner, according to Sports Business Journal.
Sydney Colson and Alysha Clark Join Team Ally
As part of the agreement, Ally is signing two Las Vegas Aces’ players — Sydney Colson and Alysha Clark — as the newest members of Team Ally.
And they couldn’t have picked a better duo to represent the Aces, the WNBA, and Ally.
“They play a role for a basketball team, but they are role models for our team, for our community,” said Fargas. “They are aligned with the future of what an ambassador should look like: utilizing their platform.”
Colson is in the midst of her fourth stint with the franchise. She spent three years with the San Antonio Silver Stars between 2015 and 2017, a season with the Aces in 2019, and has now been a part of the team’s back-to-back championship runs.
They don’t call her the ‘face of the league’ for nothing. Her locker room presence, energy, personality, and dedication to growing the WNBA are admirable, to say the least.
And she loves to dance.
Clark, on the other hand, is entering her 12th season in the WNBA and second season with the Aces. She was last year’s Sixth Player of the Year after averaging 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.6 steals per game.
“She’s a phenomenal person, phenomenal teammate,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “Her leadership defensively — she’s always talking, when she’s on the bench or on the floor. I appreciate that because some of the best defensives, they’re never quiet.”
Other members of Team Ally include Nneka Ogwumike (WNBA), Deja Kelly (NCAAW), Lilia Vu (USGA), and several NWSL players — including Merritt Mathias, Sophia Smith, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris (retired), and Julie Foudy (retired).
Las Vegas Aces Excited to Make the WNBA Better
The Las Vegas Aces have forever changed the WNBA — in a good way, of course.
And they’re not done yet!
Increasing player salaries, introducing one of the world’s greatest, state-of-the-art training facilities, expanding the use of charter flights, and compensation packages for players — owner Mark Davis and the Aces are at the forefront of it all.
And their new deal with Ally is just another example of their commitment to growing women’s sports.
“We’re going to be able to change and make this league better, make opportunities for these players individually and collectively better,” Fargas said in an interview with CBS Sports.
“Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because women’s sports is going to be profitable.”
The Aces’ 2024 regular season begins on May 14. They have an opportunity to become the second WNBA team to win three consecutive titles — joining the Houston Comets (1997-99).
It won’t be easy, but nothing in life ever is.
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