The Las Vegas Aces, champions of the 2025 WNBA Finals, are reportedly not set to receive an invitation to the White House from President Donald Trump to celebrate their recent victory. This has sparked discussions about the current administration’s engagement with sports teams and athletes.
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According to a spokesperson for the team, the Aces will not be welcomed to the White House despite their impressive performance in the playoffs, where they secured the title by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury. This news comes amidst growing conversations about the recognition of women’s sports, particularly at the highest levels of competition.
A’ja Wilson, the standout player for the Aces who previously celebrated her Most Valuable Player (MVP) title during the finals, had expressed her disappointment via social media last year over a similar lack of recognition from President Biden after the Aces’ previous championship win. Despite her calls for acknowledgement, the Aces are left feeling overlooked once again.
In light of this snub, the team had considered an alternative celebration, suggesting a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture during their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where they are scheduled to play against the Washington Mystics. Unfortunately, conflicting schedules have made this possibility unfeasible.
The absence of an invitation marks a continued trend during Trump’s presidency, as the White House has not hosted any championship teams from the WNBA or NBA since he took office. The administration has faced criticism over its perceived neglect of women’s sports, particularly in contrast to the attention given to men’s professional teams.
Historically, previous administrations have made it a tradition to invite championship-winning teams, fostering a sense of national unity and pride. For instance, the Las Vegas Aces had the opportunity to meet former Vice President Kamala Harris following their championship victory in 2022, while President Biden was on vacation. However, even after a notable victory, Biden’s administration has drawn scrutiny for failing to acknowledge significant achievements by women’s teams.
In 2023, Biden’s failure to mention the Aces while celebrating the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ championship sparked outrage from players and fans alike. A’ja Wilson did not hesitate to voice her frustration on social media, questioning why the Aces had not been celebrated. Her comment, abbreviated as “BFFR” — an expression commonly used to urge sincerity — highlighted the disappointment felt by both athletes and supporters.
The lack of formal invitations to the White House for WNBA champions is particularly striking when compared to the previous administration’s approach. Former President Barack Obama actively engaged with various teams, including hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers after their 2016 win and celebrating the Chicago Sky’s title in a private gathering in 2022. Furthermore, Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama hosted dinners acknowledging the New York Liberty’s victory in 2024.
As the Aces reflect on their achievements amid this oversight, they continue to advance in the world of professional basketball. The absence of an invitation to the White House raises important questions about the treatment of women’s sports at the national level and the responsibilities of public figures in fostering inclusive recognition.
With the upcoming game against the Mystics, the Aces will aim to redirect their energy towards the sport and their performance on the court, all while keeping the conversation around women’s sports ongoing. The focus remains on elevating the achievements of female athletes and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve, both from sports enthusiasts and government officials alike.