The Las Vegas Aces expressed their discontent after President Biden's congratulatory tweet to the Vegas Golden Knights for their Stanley Cup victory seemed to overlook the Aces' own championship win a year prior. The Golden Knights, a relatively young franchise, clinched their first Stanley Cup title, prompting President Biden's public acknowledgement. However, his message characterized the win as the "first major professional franchise in such a proud American city," a statement that didn't sit well with the Aces, who secured the WNBA championship in 2022, marking the first professional sports title for Las Vegas.
A'ja Wilson, two-time WNBA MVP and Aces star, publicly responded to what she perceived as a snub, questioning when her team would receive a White House invitation, referencing the Seattle Storm's 2021 visit after their WNBA championship. This incident follows a recent trend of awkward interactions between women's basketball teams and the White House. Earlier this year, the LSU Lady Tigers' NCAA title win led to a controversy involving First Lady Jill Biden's suggestion to invite the runner-up Iowa Hawkeyes, a move that drew criticism from LSU players. While the situation was eventually resolved with the Tigers visiting the White House, it highlighted the ongoing challenges in recognizing women's sports achievements. Now, the Aces await a similar acknowledgment, while the Golden Knights are anticipated to receive their White House invitation.
