Mark Davis On WNBA Investigation Of Aces: Team Did 'Absolutely Nothing Wrong'

Last week, the WNBA launched an investigation into the Las Vegas Aces. And now, team owner Mark Davis is speaking out.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced on May 17 it would provide $100K sponsorships to each player on the team's roster. The LVCVA is funded solely by the room tax paid by tourists who stay in the city's hotels.

READ: WNBA Investigating $100K Sponsorship Payments From Las Vegas Tourism To Aces Players

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the franchise itself can't arrange for additional compensation or endorsements on behalf of its players. But LVCVA says it worked solely with players' agents, and not the team. Still, questions were raised about the fairness of the sponsorship and whether it violates "the spirit" of the salary cap rules.

Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson celebrates after winning the 2023 WNBA Finals.

(Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

Davis said on Wednesday the league will find "absolutely nothing" wrong with the arrangement.

"There was absolutely nothing done wrong," Davis said at the conclusion of the NFL league meetings, where he was representing his Las Vegas Raiders. "And I think it's sad that they used the word investigation instead of something a little softer to say, 'Hey we might look into it' or whatever. But they're going to find there's nothing wrong."

When Davis bought the Aces in 2021, he said his main goal was to get the players paid more money. He hired Becky Hammon, and made her the first WNBA head coach with a million-dollar salary. The Aces have won back-to-back WNBA titles and are the first team in league history to sell out their allotment of season tickets.

"I'm just really proud of (the LVCVA) for doing it and recognizing the