Las Vegas Aces And Phoenix Mercury Clash In Epic Finals Rematch

Highly anticipated 2026 WNBA season officially tips off with a blockbuster showdown. Today, May 9, 2026, basketball fans will be treated to a thrilling rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals as the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces host the Phoenix Mercury. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT), live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

A Banner Day for Las Vegas: Before the action gets underway, the Las Vegas Aces will celebrate their incredible achievement from the previous season. The franchise will host a pregame championship ring ceremony to honor their 2025 WNBA title. This victory marked their third championship in a span of four seasons, cementing the Aces as a modern basketball dynasty.

Led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas dominated the 2025 Finals, sweeping the Mercury to claim the league’s newly minted best-of-seven series. Today’s home opener serves as both a celebration of that historic run and the starting line for their 2026 title defense.

Phoenix Mercury Out for Revenge: On the other side of the court, the Phoenix Mercury enter the 2026 season with a massive chip on their shoulder. Getting swept in the Finals has undoubtedly fueled the team’s offseason preparation. Star players like Kahleah Copper have publicly expressed their motivation to bounce back, making this opening weekend matchup deeply personal.

With both teams retaining key talent and making strategic offseason moves, this game is expected to be a high-intensity battle from the opening tip. The Mercury are desperate to lay a strong foundation for the new season and prove they have what it takes to challenge the defending champions on their home floor.

What to Expect on the Court: This opening weekend clash is more than just a regular-season game; it is a statement opportunity for both franchises. For the Aces, it is about maintaining dominance, playing in front of a sold-out home crowd, and proving that their championship window is still wide open. For the Mercury, it is about redemption and sending a clear message to the rest of the league that last year's sweep will not define them.

As the WNBA continues to reach new heights in viewership and global popularity, an opening weekend featuring a Finals rematch on national television is the perfect way to start the 2026 campaign. Tune in to ABC to witness the next chapter of this fierce rivalry unfold.