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The Silver Stars Legacy: How San Antonio's WNBA Team Became The Las Vegas Aces Dynasty

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Tracing the lineage of one of the WNBA’s most successful modern franchises requires a deep dive into the heart of Texas, where the San Antonio Silver Stars once shone brightly. As of December 20, 2025, the team no longer exists in San Antonio, but its DNA—its history, star players, and foundational leadership—is the direct precursor to the current WNBA powerhouse, the Las Vegas Aces. The story of the Silver Stars is one of passionate local ownership, a dedicated fan base, and a core group of legends who laid the groundwork for a future championship dynasty, making its 15-season run a crucial chapter in WNBA history.

The franchise’s journey from its origins to its current status is a compelling narrative of relocation and transformation. It all began with the Utah Starzz (1997–2002) before the team moved to Texas and was rebranded as the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2003. The team would later drop the "Silver" to become simply the San Antonio Stars in 2014, playing its final game in the city in 2017 before the controversial sale and move to Nevada.

The Complete History and Key Figures of the San Antonio Franchise

The San Antonio Silver Stars were the official sister team to the NBA's legendary San Antonio Spurs, operating under the same ownership group, Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E). This connection provided the team with a strong organizational foundation and a home base at the AT&T Center (originally the SBC Center), sharing the facility with the Spurs.

The franchise was defined by key figures whose legacies are still felt across the league today. The acquisition of guard Becky Hammon in 2007 is widely considered the turning point that elevated the team from a perennial contender to a true threat. Hammon, a WNBA legend, became the team’s all-time leading scorer and the face of the franchise.

  • Franchise Origin: Utah Starzz (1997–2002)
  • San Antonio Era: San Antonio Silver Stars (2003–2013), San Antonio Stars (2014–2017)
  • Current Identity: Las Vegas Aces (2018–Present)
  • Home Arena (San Antonio): SBC Center (2003-2005), AT&T Center (2006-2017), now Frost Bank Center.
  • Parent Company: Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E)
  • Key Players & Entities: Becky Hammon, Sophia Young-Malcolm, Ruth Riley, Danielle Robinson, Ann Wauters, Danielle Adams.
  • Notable Coaches: Dan Hughes (Head Coach), Candi Harvey (Coach), Shell Dailey (Coach), Sandy Brondello (Assistant Coach).
  • Highest Achievement: 2008 WNBA Finals Appearance.

The Peak: The 2008 WNBA Finals Run

The 2008 season remains the most significant achievement in the franchise’s San Antonio history. Under the guidance of Head Coach Dan Hughes, the Silver Stars dominated the Western Conference, securing the top seed and reaching the WNBA Finals for the first and only time. The team’s success was a testament to its balanced roster, featuring the veteran leadership of Ruth Riley and the dynamic scoring of Hammon and Sophia Young-Malcolm.

Their playoff run was a thrilling display of basketball prowess, captivating the San Antonio sports community. However, their championship dreams were ultimately halted in the Finals, where they were swept 3-0 by the powerful Detroit Shock (now the Dallas Wings) from the Eastern Conference. Despite the loss, the Finals appearance cemented the team's legacy as a formidable competitor and a significant part of the city’s basketball fabric. The team made the playoffs in all seven of Hammon's full seasons, a testament to the strong culture they built.

From San Antonio Stars to Las Vegas Aces: A Dynasty is Born

The final chapter of the San Antonio WNBA story began in 2017. Despite the team’s rich history and the presence of stars, the ownership group, SS&E, announced the sale of the franchise to MGM Resorts International in October 2017. This transaction led to the team’s immediate relocation to Nevada, where it was rebranded as the Las Vegas Aces for the 2018 season.

While the move was a blow to the San Antonio community, the franchise’s legacy continues to thrive through its successor. The Aces retained the core of the San Antonio roster and, crucially, the spirit of their greatest player. In a powerful nod to the team's history, the Las Vegas Aces have honored Becky Hammon by retiring her jersey number 25, ensuring the Silver Stars' history is permanently linked to the new franchise.

The most compelling connection, and the reason the Silver Stars' story remains relevant today, is the return of Becky Hammon. After a successful coaching tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, Hammon was hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in 2022. In an incredible full-circle moment, she led the team—the direct descendant of her former Silver Stars—to a WNBA Championship in her very first season, followed by another title in 2023. This success story, built on the foundation laid in San Antonio, has established the Aces as a modern WNBA dynasty, fulfilling the championship potential that the Silver Stars had chased for so long.

The journey of the San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars is a powerful reminder that while teams may relocate, their history, their records, and the impact of their players—like Hammon, the recipient of the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award—live on. The Silver Stars era, spanning from 2003 to 2017, may be over, but its influence is undeniable, having directly shaped the championship pedigree of the Las Vegas Aces.

The Silver Stars Legacy: How San Antonio's WNBA Team Became the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty
san antonio silver stars
san antonio silver stars

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