HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces, whose championship run ended in a semifinals loss to the New York Liberty , fired general manager Natalie Williams on Saturday. Williams was hired in 2022 as part of a new regime that included Becky Hammon becoming the coach, but the club announced her contract would not be renewed as part of a “restructuring” of the front office.
“We are incredibly grateful for Natalie’s invaluable efforts in helping build the Aces into the premier franchise in the WNBA,” Aces President Nikki Fargas said in a statement. “Her time with the organization extends back to the league’s formative years in Utah, and she will forever be a part of our history, having left an indelible mark as both a player and an executive. We wish the best for Natalie and her family.
” The Aces won titles in 2022 and 2023 to become the first WNBA team to claim back-to-back championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02. They hoped to become the first club since the Houston Comets in 1997-2000 to win at least three consecutive titles, but lost in four games to the eventual champion Liberty . The next general manager will inherit a team with most of its core players intact, including reigning MVP A'ja Wilson.
However, Kelsey Plum is a key pending free agent. The Aces also could be affected by the coming expansion draft. “It has been a joy and honor to serve as General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces,” Williams said in a statement.
“Winning two WNBA .