HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces, whose two-time championship run ended in a semifinals loss to the New York Liberty, made the decision to part ways with general manager Natalie Williams on Saturday.
Williams was brought on board in 2022 as part of a new leadership team that included Becky Hammon as coach. The Aces made history by winning titles in 2022 and 2023, becoming the first WNBA team to achieve back-to-back championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02.
Despite their success, the team president announced that Williams will not have her contract renewed as part of a “restructuring” of the front office.
During her tenure, the Aces faced controversy, including a lawsuit from former player Dearica Hamby and a league-directed investigation into potential salary-cap circumvention.
“We are incredibly thankful for Natalie’s contributions in helping establish the Aces as a premier franchise in the WNBA,” Aces President Nikki Fargas stated. “She has been a part of our organization since the league’s early days in Utah, leaving a lasting impact as both a player and an executive. We wish Natalie and her family all the best moving forward.”
The 53-year-old Williams, a four-time All-Star during her WNBA career with the Utah Starzz and Indiana Fever, was also a two-sport athlete in basketball and volleyball at UCLA. She won a gold medal with the U.S. women’s basketball team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
While the Aces had aspirations of winning three consecutive titles, they were defeated in four games by the eventual champion Liberty.
The next general manager will inherit a team with most of its core players intact, including reigning MVP A’ja Wilson. However, the status of key player Kelsey Plum as a pending free agent could impact the team. The Aces may also be affected by the upcoming expansion draft.
“Serving as General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces has been a joy and an honor,” Williams expressed in a statement. “Winning two WNBA Championships with this remarkable group of players and staff has been a dream come true. I am grateful to (owner) Mark Davis and the Aces Organization for the incredible opportunity to lead this franchise. I have a deep love for the WNBA and look forward to what the future holds.”
In August, Hamby, an All-Star for Los Angeles, filed a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation for her pregnancy, which led to her trade to the Sparks. The WNBA and Aces have filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit.
Hammon stated in May 2023 that Hamby was traded for strategic reasons, specifically to create space for the signing of Candace Parker.
The WNBA investigated the matter and issued a suspension to Hammon in May 2023. The Aces also faced repercussions with the loss of their 2025 first-round draft pick for violating player benefit rules involving Hamby.
Furthermore, the WNBA launched an investigation into potential salary cap circumvention by the Aces when the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced $100,000 annual sponsorship offers to players for this season and 2025.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
