The WNBA announced on Tuesday afternoon that Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon would be suspended for two games and the Aces would lose their 2025 first-round pick following an investigation into the actions of Hammon and the franchise.
We have rescinded the Las Vegas Aces’ 2025 first-round draft pick for violating league rules regarding impermissible player benefits & suspended head coach Becky Hammon for two games w/o pay for violating league and team Respect in the Workplace policies
Full Statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MtHz1yP2Gm
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 16, 2023
Despite the announcement of the punishment, WNBA title odds remain unchanged, and the Aces are still the title favorite.
Las Vegas is listed in a range from +110 to +125 across the market while the New York Liberty trail directly behind, in the +120 to +135 range, depending on the book.
The investigation centered around the treatment of former Aces player Dearica Hamby. Las Vegas was ruled to have promised impermissible benefits to Hamby, who also alleges that she was mistreated by the franchise due to her pregnancy.
Las Vegas will have a loaded roster in its title defense attempt. Kelsey Plum, Candace Parker and A'ja Wilson are among the players who will guide the team.
For the New York Liberty, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are the biggest stars at the head of the team.
Nonetheless, it appears that today's decision is not impacting oddsmakers' views on the upcoming year. It will likely be the Aces or the Liberty who take home the title, barring a big upset.
