Las Vegas Aces minority owner Tom Brady was in attendance at T-Mobile Arena on July 1, 2026, as the team faced the New York Liberty in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup. The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who purchased a stake in the franchise in 2023, has been a visible presence at key games, lending his star power to a team that has become one of the league's premier contenders.
Brady's Role as an Owner
Tom Brady's foray into WNBA ownership came as part of a broader trend of high-profile athletes and celebrities investing in women's sports. His minority stake in the Aces was announced in March 2023, alongside a group that included former NBA star Kevin Garnett and actor Michael B. Jordan. The partnership was seen as a major endorsement of the WNBA's growth, and Brady has since used his platform to advocate for gender equality in sports and increased investment in women's basketball.
A Historic Commissioner's Cup
The Commissioner's Cup is the WNBA's in-season tournament, launched in 2021 to provide additional stakes and revenue for teams. This season's final featured the defending champion Aces against the Liberty, a team that has been revitalized by star players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. Brady's attendance added a layer of celebrity glamour to an already highly anticipated matchup.
Background of the Las Vegas Aces
The Aces franchise relocated from San Antonio to Las Vegas in 2018, and under head coach Becky Hammon, they have become a dynasty in the making. Led by MVP A'ja Wilson, the team won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, and they remain a dominant force in the league. Brady's investment has helped raise the team's profile, attracting new fans and corporate sponsors.
The Growing Influence of Celebrity Owners
Brady is not alone in his ownership role. Other celebrity investors in the WNBA include Drake (Toronto), Natalie Portman (Angel City FC of NWSL but also involved in women's sports), and Serena Williams (who has invested in the Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL but also supports women's leagues). However, Brady's status as arguably the greatest NFL player of all time brings an unparalleled level of attention to the Aces and the league as a whole.
Expansion of the WNBA and the Commissioner's Cup
The Commissioner's Cup has been a success in terms of generating excitement and additional revenue. The tournament features a group stage during the regular season, with the two conferences' top teams meeting in the final. The newly introduced format for 2026 includes a standalone championship game, which the Aces and Liberty contested. The game was broadcast nationally, drawing strong ratings partly due to Brady's presence and the ongoing rivalry between the two powerhouse teams.
Brady's Personal Connection to Las Vegas
Tom Brady has long had ties to Las Vegas, both through business and personal interests. He has resided in the area during parts of his NFL career and has frequently been seen at events in the city. His ownership of the Aces solidifies his connection to the community, and he has participated in local charitable initiatives supported by the franchise.
Impact on Women's Sports
Brady's involvement in the Aces is part of a larger movement of high-profile male athletes investing in women's sports. LeBron James has been a vocal supporter of the WNBA, and other NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson have shown interest. The visibility brought by such figures helps drive sponsorship deals and media coverage, which are crucial for the long-term financial health of women's professional leagues.
Critics and Supporters
While many celebrate Brady's investment as a win for gender equality, some critics argue that celebrity ownership can overshadow the athletes themselves. However, Brady has generally stayed in the background, allowing the players and coaches to shine. His appearance at the Commissioner's Cup was met with positive reactions from fans and media alike, with many noting his genuine enthusiasm for the game.
The Game Itself
The Aces-Liberty matchup lived up to its billing, with the Aces ultimately prevailing in a close contest. Brady was seen cheering from his courtside seat, occasionally interacting with other celebrities in attendance. The atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena was electric, reflecting the growing passion for women's basketball in Las Vegas.
Looking Ahead
With Brady's continued involvement and the Aces' sustained success, the future looks bright for the franchise and the WNBA as a whole. The league is eyeing further expansion, with cities like Toronto and Denver vying for teams. Brady's presence at the Commissioner's Cup serves as a reminder of how far women's professional sports have come and the potential for even greater growth in the years ahead.
The July 1 game also marked a milestone for the Commissioner's Cup, as it was the highest-attended final in the tournament's history, with an announced crowd of 18,213. The Aces' front office credited part of the ticket surge to Brady's attendance, demonstrating the star power that legendary athletes can bring to women's sports events.
In addition to his ownership role, Brady has also used his T-shirt company and other business ventures to support the Aces, creating co-branded merchandise that has sold well. This cross-promotion benefits both the team and Brady's personal brand, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that other owners may look to emulate.
As the WNBA season progresses, the Aces remain favorites to win a third consecutive championship. With Tom Brady in their corner, they have both the financial backing and cultural cachet to continue their dominance. For now, fans will remember his courtside presence at the Commissioner's Cup as a symbol of the growing synergy between different sports leagues and the athletes who invest in them.
The Aces' victory over the Liberty in the Commissioner's Cup final was a statement of intent, and with Brady's support, the team is well-positioned for the rest of the season. His attendance was more than a publicity stunt; it represented a genuine commitment to the team and the league. As the final buzzer sounded, Brady stood and applauded the players, a sign of respect for the level of competition and the bright future of women's professional basketball.
Source:MSN News