Aces not renewing contract of GM Natalie Williams

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 Championships with this incredible group of players and staff has been a dream come true. I want to thank (owner) Mark Davis and the Aces Organization for the incredible opportunity to help lead this franchise. I love the WNBA, and it has been wonderful watching the growth of the game. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball