In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces have fired head coach Becky Hammon following her recent public comments regarding the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump on Saturday Night at a Dinner
The decision was announced late Friday evening by team owner Mark Davis, who cited “irreconcilable differences in values and a failure to uphold the organization’s commitment to unity and respect.”
Hammon, who has led the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, reportedly made the remarks during a private team meeting that was later leaked to the media. According to sources close to the team, Hammon allegedly stated that the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania—where Trump was grazed by a bullet—was “not as serious as the media made it out to be” and suggested it was “possibly staged for political gain.” She reportedly added that the incident “didn’t warrant the national outrage it received.”
The comments quickly spread online after a player’s phone recording surfaced on social media, sparking immediate backlash from fans, league officials, and political figures across the spectrum. Several prominent WNBA players and commentators condemned the remarks as insensitive and dismissive of violence against a former president and current political candidate.
In a brief statement, Hammon expressed disappointment but stood by her right to express personal opinions. “I never intended to hurt anyone. This is my personal view on a highly politicized event,” she said.
Team executives moved swiftly. “We expect our leaders to represent the best of our franchise both on and off the court,” Davis said. “Coach Hammon’s comments crossed a line that we cannot ignore.”
Assistant coach Natalie Nakase has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. The Aces, currently in playoff contention, face the challenging task of stabilizing the team amid the controversy.
The firing marks one of the most high-profile coaching changes in recent WNBA history and highlights the growing intersection of sports, politics, and personal expression in professional athletics.