The Aces are returning to Michelob Ultra Arena for the first time in two weeks against the Golden State Valkyries this Saturday and are looking to claim their first victory in Las Vegas this season.
The team opened its season at T-Mobile Arena against the Phoenix Mercury and after the pregame ring ceremony lost 99-66.
Since then, the Aces have played one game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, as they gave up the most points that they have all season in a 101-95 loss against Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks.
Meanwhile, the team has played seven games away from Las Vegas against some of the WNBA’s top competition, such as the Valkyries, Dallas Wings and Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta Dream, winning six of those games.
Now the team is returning home for a two-game stretch, where at Michelob Ultra Arena it has one of the league’s best home-court advantages.
“We have only got one game in Michelob since the season started, so we’re about to stack some days in front of our fans,” Aces guard Chelsea Gray said. “They just make all the difference, and the environment that they provide is the greatest.”
Gray has been a part of the Aces organization since 2021 and has played a significant role in each of the franchise’s three championships over the past four years in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
She has seen many different environments throughout her time in the WNBA, and while their home court is tough to rank, it’s unique for its size.
“It’s a small arena, but I like that it’s smaller,” Gray said. “The fans feel like they are right on top of you, and it creates a different vibe when I hear them. I know they are behind us.
“Another thing is, they are also amazing at quieting a big crowd.”
Ever since the franchise moved to Las Vegas in 2018, the team’s home record has been among the strongest in the WNBA.
In all regular-season games combined, the Aces hold a home record of 80-31 since their inception, and were the first WNBA franchise to sell out their entire home slate in 2024.
If you add in their 25-9 record at home in the playoffs, their overall record in front of their fans jumps to 105-38, which is good enough for a .734 win percentage, the highest among active WNBA franchises.
Now, the Aces still have many seasons ahead of them, and that number could rise or fall over time, but for now, the Houston Comets hold the league record for the best home winning percentage by a franchise.
The Comets, the WNBA’s first true dynasty, posted a 143-52 home record from 1997 to 2008, winning four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000.
However, if there is another championship run in the Aces’ future, along with continued success on their home court, it may usher in a new era atop the league’s record book.
“We haven’t won at home yet, so I know our fans are eager to get that done, and I’m excited to see our fans,” Gray said.
The Aces will look to collect their first win at home against a Valkyries team that currently sits with a record of 6-4 after falling short against the top team in the WNBA in the Minnesota Lynx 87-84 on the road.
The Valkyries are led in scoring by Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and Janelle Salaun, who all are averaging nearly 14 points per game and can generate offense in a variety of ways.
While the Aces are more efficient from the field overall at 48.7% this season, Golden State has shot 38.9% from 3-point range.
“Their defense picks up full court, and they are aggressive at the point of attack,” Gray said. “They want to drive the paint and kick out for threes. We have to be ready to play.”
