WNBA’s Aces Part Ways with GM Natalie Williams, Won’t Renew Contract

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 26, 2024

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The Las Vegas Aces announced that they are parting ways with general manager Natalie Williams. Las Vegas is restructuring its front office, and Williams’ contract will not be renewed.

“It has been a joy and honor to serve as General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces,” Williams said in a statement.

“Winning two WNBA Championships with this incredible group of players and staff has been a dream come true. I want to thank Mark Davis and the Aces Organization for the incredible opportunity to help lead this franchise. I love the WNBA, and it has been wonderful watching the growth of the game. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

The Aces wished Williams farewell upon her exit.

Las Vegas Aces @LVAcesThank you, Natalie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fuxHI3mvO5

Aces president Nikki Fargas offered these remarks.

“We are incredibly grateful for Natalie’s invaluable efforts in helping build the Aces into the premier franchise in the WNBA. Her time with the organization extends back to the league’s formative years in Utah, and she will forever be a part of our history, having left an indelible mark as both a player and an executive. We wish the best for Natalie and her family.”

Williams joined the Aces in 2022, and the team won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. This year’s squad reached the semifinals before falling to the eventual WNBA champion New York Liberty.

At this time, it’s unclear what the Aces’ front office restructure will look like, or who will take over the lead basketball operations role.

But the Williams departure is another big move in the 12-team WNBA, which now has five head coach and three GM openings, per Meghan L. Hall of USA Today’s For The Win.

On the surface, Williams leaving Las Vegas is surprising. The team has won the championship twice in her three years. Granted, last season ended with a tough semifinal loss and a fourth-place finish in the standings, but the Aces have still been the league’s top team since 2022.

Las Vegas did have the championship core in place before Williams arrived, as three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum were all on the team by then.

But the Aces did pick up key talents in free agency since then, including Sixth Woman of the Year Alysha Clark in 2023 and Tiffany Hayes in 2024.

However, Las Vegas hasn’t had the best draft record in recent years.

Hunter Cruse @HunterCruse14Since Natalie Williams was hired as GM:

– Mya Hollingshed: 2022, No. 8 pick
– Kierstan Bell: 2022, No. 11 pick
– Khayla Pointer: 2022, No. 13 pick
– Dyaisha Fair: 2024, No. 16 pick https://t.co/V8pgZoNyP6

Las Vegas did land former Iowa star Kate Martin in the second round, though, and she was a member of this year’s rotation.

Regarding other parts of Williams’ record, one fan also noted some issues with Williams’ moves (or lack thereof).

“Dachelle” @djvsdachelleSat on her hands & watched other teams get better. Chelsea was out 12 games, Natalie could’ve signed Odyssey Sims. They knew A’ja needed help in the post. They could’ve signed Mo Billings. Didn’t make any trades @ the deadline either.

Williams was once a phenomenal player, starring on the collegiate, professional and international levels. She was a two-time All-American at UCLA, a four-time WNBA All-Star, a gold medal winner for Team USA in the 2000 Summer Olympics and a two-time World Cup winner (1998, 2002).

Williams posted 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game from 1999-2005 with the Utah Starzz and Indiana Fever.