The Las Vegas Aces’ win in game one of the WNBA finals on Friday brought them a step closer to winning a championship. Yet for many players, teams and fans, eyes are already on the off-season https://t.co/uYdf7ZQJ8E ...

Core Insights - BetMGM has entered into a partnership with the Las Vegas Aces, becoming the exclusive online casino and sportsbook partner for the WNBA team through the 2027 season, marking its first major collaboration with a women's professional sports franchise [1][2][3] - The partnership includes various promotional activities, such as signage at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, sponsorship on Aces' social media, and exclusive experiences for BetMGM players [1][2] - BetMGM will also serve as an authorized gaming partner of the WNBA, gaining commercial inventory on nationally televised games and the rights to co-branded content [2][3] Partnership Details - The "BetMGM Steals for Meals" program will donate $50 to The Just One Project for every steal made by the Aces during home games, aimed at supporting food-insecure families [3][4] - BetMGM plans to launch a WNBA-branded online slot game, which will be the first-ever WNBA online casino game, available exclusively on its platform [2][3] Market Growth - BetMGM reported a 133% year-over-year growth in betting on the WNBA during the 2024 season, reflecting the increasing popularity of women's sports [4] - The WNBA has seen significant growth in fan engagement, and BetMGM aims to leverage this momentum by expanding its betting markets and enhancing fan experiences [5] Company Background - BetMGM is a leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, formed through a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Plc, and has exclusive access to MGM's U.S. sports betting and online gaming operations [7] - The Las Vegas Aces have achieved notable success, including back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2022 and 2023, and have established a strong fan base, selling out their season ticket allotment in 2024 [8][9]

Core Insights - The WNBA is experiencing a significant rise in fan interest and ticket demand, with a 49% year-over-year increase in average ticket prices, indicating a growing relevance and reach for women's basketball [2][3] Ticket Demand and Pricing - The average ticket price for WNBA games has increased by 49% year-over-year, reflecting heightened demand for women's basketball [2] - The most in-demand tickets for the 2025 season include the WNBA All Star Game priced at $533, followed by the Indiana Fever's game against the Golden State Valkyries at $519 [5][7] Fan Engagement and Travel - Fans are traveling an average of 346 miles to attend WNBA games, which is a 12% increase compared to the previous year [3] - The Las Vegas Aces lead the league in average travel distance, with fans traveling an impressive 578 miles to see them play [10][14] Team Popularity - The Indiana Fever have emerged as the most favored team in the U.S., dominating in 13 states, followed by the Las Vegas Aces in 8 states and the Connecticut Sun in 6 states [6][8] - The Indiana Fever are featured in four of the top five most in-demand games for the 2025 season, highlighting their strong fan engagement [4][6] Impact of New Talent - The Dallas Wings experienced a 920% spike in website traffic after winning the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery and selecting Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick, indicating a significant boost in fan interest [9] - The average ticket prices for Dallas Wings games have increased by 74% year-over-year, showcasing the impact of new talent on franchise popularity [9]

Core Points - The Las Vegas Aces have signed a multiyear agreement with Scripps Sports to make Vegas 34 the official broadcast home for their games, including all non-nationally exclusive games [1][2] - The partnership includes the production of a weekly show titled "In the Paint," which will feature highlights and behind-the-scenes content related to the Aces [2][3] - The Aces have achieved significant success, winning back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, and are aiming for a third championship [3][6] Company Overview - The Las Vegas Aces are one of the original franchises of the WNBA, having relocated from Utah to San Antonio and then to Las Vegas in 2018 [6] - The team has seen substantial growth, including the establishment of a 50,000 square foot headquarters, the first of its kind for a WNBA team [7] - The Aces have also achieved record ticket sales, being the first WNBA franchise to sell out its entire season ticket allotment in March 2024 [7] Industry Context - Scripps Sports has a broad reach in local and national sports broadcasting, partnering with various leagues and teams, including the WNBA and NHL [8] - The partnership with the Aces enhances Scripps Sports' portfolio, allowing them to broadcast a successful team with a passionate fan base [4][8]