LV Aces Star Who Could Re-enter 2025 WNBA Draft, Affirms Whether or Not to Ditch A’ja Wilson & Co.

Having watched the three-peat slip off their hands, the Las Vegas Aces have been at work during the negotiations period this off-season. Jewell Loyd is all ready to make an immediate impact and help “build on what they already have going on,” while Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has reportedly set them a preference. In the shadows, the franchise seemed to have been in talks with another one of their players who held the eligibility to re-enter the WNBA draft. The Virginia Tech former has her answer now and A’ja Wilson, a reaction. 

Aces rookie center, Elizabeth Kitley has signed a contract with Las Vegas.

Richard Cohen, a writer behind Her Hoop Stats, shared on X, “Elizabeth Kitley signed her rookie scale contract with Las Vegas. Could technically have re-entered the draft this year instead – although no one has ever done it – so good news for the Aces. #WNBA.”

Kitley’s staying put after missing out on her rookie season, and that’s a major win for Vegas. No more guessing games.

The 6-6 All-American, selected 24th in the second round of 2024, has been on a journey of resilience after tearing her ACL late in her final season at Virginia Tech. While she missed the Hokies’ final four games, Kitley has been grinding with the Aces’ medical team to rehab her knee and prepare for her professional debut.

Aces President Nikki Fargas couldn’t hide her excitement about the signing. “I am so excited to see what Elizabeth Kitley can do for the Aces in 2025,” Fargas said. “After watching her progress through her injury and rehab this past year, seeing her work ethic and drive to return to the court gives us confidence in our selection of Liz in the 2024 draft. She had a phenomenal collegiate career, and we cannot wait to see her at the next level here in Las Vegas this year.”

Kitley’s excitement about joining the Aces was clear when she shared the team’s official signing announcement on her Instagram story. The post, which celebrated her as the newest member of the LV Aces roster, came with a powerful caption: “The @hokieswbb All-Time Leading Scorer and 3x ACC Player of the Year is officially an 𝗔𝗖𝗘. ♠️ OFFICIAL: The Las Vegas Aces have signed @elizabethkitley.”

So, while the speculation was fun, the Aces get to keep their core strong, and A’ja Wilson couldn’t be happier. Despite the fact that Kitley couldn’t get on court during the past season, the 2024 MVP reveals they have shared countless bonding moments. She hasn’t been left out of any of the team moments and Wilson adds that the two also share a handshake. She reportedly broke into a wide smile and clapped excitedly when the news of the rookie signing was brought up. 

It’s an exciting chapter for Kitley too and she is ready to put in the work.

Elizabeth Kitley has takeaway from the hardships

Kitley’s college legacy is undeniable. She’s the ACC’s all-time leading scorer (2,709 points) and rebounder (1,506 boards), with a 55.2% field goal percentage. Over 151 games, she averaged 17.9 points and 11.4 rebounds, notching 76 double-doubles. Her accolades include three-time ACC Player of the Year, four-time All-ACC First Team, and three-time ACC All-Defensive Team, which earned her a jersey retirement.

But Kitley’s journey to the WNBA tested her more than all else.

“This past year tested me in every way, but it also reminded me why I love this game,” she shared. “The hard days, the rehab, the doubts—they all led me here. I’m beyond grateful for this next chapter with the Aces. Let’s get to work.”

Coach Becky Hammon last December revealed that Kitley would be ready to go by June or July. While she awaits getting on the roster, A’ja Wilson and Co., are more than willing to keep her motivated. The 2024 MVP reveals her mantra for their rookie: “we need you to get better over there, so you can be great over here.”

The Aces have made Kitley feel at home. No surprise she wanted to continue.