LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Time magazine is recognizing the most influential figures shaping global sports in its inaugural Time100 Sports list, and a few names known to Las Vegas locals have made the cut.
Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon and center A'ja Wilson joined the list of influential athletes and leaders in the field.
Wilson made history last year when she became the first four-time M’VP in league history. She was also the first player in WNBA or NBA history to finish as the league’s top scorer and earn league M’VP, Finals M’VP and Defensive Player of the Year in a singular season.
In claiming the 2025 scoring title, Wilson established a new high-water mark of 26.9 points per game, eclipsing Diana Taurasi’s previous league-best 25.3 ppg set in 2006.
WATCH | Taylor Rocha sat down with A'ja Wilson ahead of the 2025 season:
Hammon, who became the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history in 2014 when San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich hired her, was also the first female head coach in an NBA game after Pop was ejected in a game in 2020.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer also made history in 2015 as the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League.
Hammon was hired by owner Mark Davis to coach the Las Vegas Aces ahead of the 2022 season and did not disappoint. Hammon coached the Aces to three of the past four WNBA championships and an overall record of 125-46.
She also piloted the team to the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup championship and earned WNBA Coach of the Year honors in her inaugural season in Las Vegas. Further, Hammon owns the highest winning percentage of any coach with at least one full season in the WNBA.
WATCH | Alex Eschelman got a 1-on-1 with the head coach herself:
Others included on the list with Las Vegas ties include UFC President and CEO Dana White and Fernando Mendoza, recently drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The TIME100 Sports list will appear in the June 22, 2026, issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, July 12.
-
Aces win against Chicago Sky in historic winning streak
The Las Vegas Aces will close out their 2025 home schedule with a two-game series against the Chicago Sky.
Las Vegas Aces partner with Special Olympics for school field day
Harmon Elementary partnered with Special Olympics Nevada and the Las Vegas Aces to host a surprise inclusive field day, highlighting teamwork, friendship and belonging.
WNBA history made: The Aces set new franchise record after defeating the Lynx
The Las Vegas Aces are back from break and ready to take on the Minnesota Lynx, focused on surpassing the franchise record of 12 consecutive wins at tonight's game.
Gustafson aces being an author
Since "Pancake's Passport" hit the shelves on August 20th, Aces center Megan Gustafson and her pup, Pancake have sold around 1,000 copies.
