Why A’ja Wilson absolutely ‘hates’ ring ceremonies

A’ja Wilson had a new championship ring Saturday, but little time to enjoy it before the Las Vegas Aces were handed a 99-66 season-opening loss by the Phoenix Mercury at T-Mobile Arena.

Before tipoff, Aces players and coaches received their 2025 WNBA championship rings, marking another title for a franchise that has won three of the past four. The ceremony, however, made a tough transition into game action, according to Wilson.

“I hate ceremonies like this,” Wilson said, as reported by Michael Voepel of ESPN. “Obviously, you want to enjoy it, but there’s a whole business side of the issue to take care of. It’s hard to compartmentalize that at times. I wish we could do (a ceremony) afterward. It’s just very hard to separate the emotions — on both sides.”

Phoenix was swept by Las Vegas in last season’s WNBA Finals.

Alyssa Thomas led the Mercury with 20 points, while rookie Jovana Nogic scored all 19 of her points in the first half as one of six Mercury players to reach double-digits. Natasha Mack added 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Wilson finished with 19 points to lead the Aces, with Jackie Young adding 12 and NaLyssa Smith 11.

The loss marked the largest margin of defeat by a defending champion in a season opener in WNBA history. It was also Phoenix’s largest opening-game win, per Mark Anderson of the Associated Press.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Aces will wait to raise their championship banner until May 23, when they return to their usual home at Michelob Ultra Arena to face the Los Angeles Sparks.

Both teams play Sunday, with the Aces traveling to Los Angeles and the Mercury visiting Golden State.

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