HENDERSON, Nev. — In a significant shakeup following their recent playoff exit, the Las Vegas Aces announced on Saturday that they have parted ways with general manager Natalie Williams, marking a pivotal turning point for the franchise.
Williams was brought on board in 2022 during a transformative era that saw the hiring of renowned coach Becky Hammon. Under their guidance, the Aces achieved remarkable success, clinching back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2022 and 2023 and making history as the first team to do so since the Los Angeles Sparks achieved the feat in 2001-02.
Despite the team’s success, her contract will not be extended as part of a strategic “restructuring” initiative aimed at revitalizing the Aces’ front office and enhancing their competitive edge.
The Aces are currently embroiled in controversy, as they face a lawsuit from former player Dearica Hamby. The league is also conducting an investigation into allegations of potential salary-cap violations that could have far-reaching implications for the franchise.
In a statement, Aces President Nikki Fargas expressed gratitude for Williams’s contributions, saying, “We are incredibly grateful for Natalie’s invaluable efforts in helping build the Aces into the premier franchise in the WNBA.” Fargas emphasized Williams’s long-standing connection to the team, which traces back to its early years in Utah, acknowledging her dual legacy as both a player and an executive. She concluded by wishing Williams and her family all the best for the future.
At 53, Williams has an impressive background; she was a four-time All-Star throughout a notable seven-year WNBA career with the Utah Starzz and the Indiana Fever. This two-sport athlete, who also excelled in volleyball at UCLA, contributed to the U.S. women’s basketball team’s success, winning a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Despite the team’s aspirations for a historic third consecutive title, they fell short against the New York Liberty in four games during the semifinals, with the Liberty ultimately securing the championship.
The next general manager will step in to lead a talented team that retains most of its core players, including reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, though the status of key player Kelsey Plum remains uncertain due to pending free agency, along with potential challenges posed by an upcoming expansion draft.
Williams expressed her sentiments in a farewell statement, saying, “It has been a joy and honor to serve as General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces. Winning two WNBA Championships with this incredible group of players and staff has been a dream come true.” She extended her gratitude to owner Mark Davis and the Aces organization for the opportunity to help guide the franchise and reflected on the growth of the WNBA overall.
Former Aces player Hamby, who is now an All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks, initiated a federal lawsuit in August claiming discrimination and retaliation stemming from her pregnancy, which led to her trade. Both the WNBA and Aces moved to dismiss her lawsuit last month.
Hammon, during a statement in May 2023, asserted that Hamby’s trade was made for strategic reasons, particularly to prepare the team for signing superstar Candace Parker.
The WNBA took action against Hammon, suspending her for two games without pay in May 2023 for her role in the circumstances surrounding Hamby’s departure. Additionally, the Aces faced penalties, including losing their first-round draft pick in 2025, due to infractions related to Hamby and providing impermissible player benefits.
The WNBA’s scrutiny of the Aces continues, as an external law firm has been engaged to investigate allegations of salary cap circumvention following the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s announcement on May 18 regarding sponsorship offers that raised eyebrows around the league.
Interview with Sports Analyst Jessica Brooks on the Aces’ Leadership Changes
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Jessica. The Las Vegas Aces have made waves by parting ways with general manager Natalie Williams following their playoff exit. What are your initial thoughts on this decision?
Jessica Brooks: Thanks for having me. It’s a bold move from the Aces. Natalie Williams played a crucial role in building this championship team. Parting ways with her signals a desire to shift direction, possibly in light of recent controversies and the disappointing end to what was supposed to be a historic season.
Interviewer: I imagine this decision must have come as a surprise to many. Williams has a rich legacy with the team. How do you think her departure will impact the franchise moving forward?
Jessica Brooks: It certainly impacts the franchise significantly. While the Aces did have back-to-back championships, they also faced challenges both on and off the court this season. The ongoing lawsuit from Dearica Hamby and the investigations into salary cap violations create a murky situation. A new general manager may bring fresh ideas and help navigate these controversies, but it will take time to rebuild the trust within the organization.
Interviewer: Aces President Nikki Fargas expressed gratitude for Williams’s contributions. Do you think it’s a departure based on performance alone, or are there broader issues at play?
Jessica Brooks: I think it’s a combination of factors. On one hand, Williams contributed significantly to the team’s success, but on the other hand, with the controversies surrounding the franchise, a restructuring was likely seen as necessary. The current leadership is probably hoping to establish a new vision and regain stability.
Interviewer: With the Aces aiming for a third consecutive title, who do you think should be considered as a potential successor to Williams?
Jessica Brooks: The Aces will need someone with a strong track record in player development and management. They might look towards candidates with a background in the WNBA or even successful figures from college basketball who can bring a fresh perspective. It will be important for the new GM to connect with coach Becky Hammon and the existing roster to maintain their competitive edge.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jessica. As the Aces move forward, what are the key areas you believe they need to address in the coming months?
Jessica Brooks: They need to focus on healing the rifts caused by recent controversies, ensuring that team morale is high, and maintaining their competitive spirit. Additionally, they should work on solidifying their roster and addressing any potential weaknesses exposed during the playoffs. Ultimately, they must reinforce their commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
Interviewer: Appreciate your insights, Jessica. It will be interesting to see how the Aces navigate this transition in the coming months.
Jessica Brooks: Absolutely. Thank you for having me!
Given the current challenges facing the Aces, what attributes do you think the next general manager should possess to help steer the team back on track?
Jessica Brooks: The next general manager will need to have a multifaceted skill set. They should not only possess strong player evaluation skills to build on the existing talent but also have a deep understanding of the WNBA’s landscape—particularly as it relates to contract negotiations and salary cap management. Given the ongoing controversies, they’ll also need to be a strong communicator who can rebuild relationships both within the organization and with the players. Lastly, a connection to the WNBA community is essential, as trust and credibility will be pivotal in navigating this tumultuous period.
Interviewer: What does this mean for the players, particularly stars like A’ja Wilson and the uncertain status of Kelsey Plum?
Jessica Brooks: For players like A’ja Wilson, who is a foundational piece of the team, stability in leadership is crucial. They’ll want reassurance that the incoming general manager will prioritize their competitive goals. As for Kelsey Plum, her situation will likely depend on how the new general manager envisions the roster and whether they can create a winning environment that aligns with her aspirations. Free agency can be a tricky situation, particularly with the ongoing issues, but the key will be ensuring that communication remains open. How the new GM handles these dynamics will be key to retaining and possibly enhancing the player core.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you see the Aces navigating the upcoming expansion draft and retaining their talented roster amidst these changes?
Jessica Brooks: The expansion draft will certainly present its own set of challenges. The Aces have a solid core, and they’ll need to be strategic in how they protect players while still addressing potential gaps in their roster. The new general manager must be savvy about not just retaining talent but also making moves that align with the long-term vision for the team. It’s a juggling act that requires both foresight and a deep understanding of the league’s mechanics. The next few months will be critical for the Aces as they seek to solidify their status as a powerhouse while managing the impacts of these leadership changes.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jessica, for your insights on this major development for the Las Vegas Aces. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how the franchise evolves in the coming months.
Jessica Brooks: Thank you for having me! It will definitely be interesting to see how this unfolds.
