Las Vegas Aces Lose NaLyssa Smith For Season As Newly Signed Kalani Brown Faces Crucial Final Stretch

The end of the regular WNBA season has had its ups and downs for the Las Vegas Aces. Now, heading into the break for FIBA Women’s World Cup, the Aces have signed a new center, recently made the announcement that one of the team’s stars is out for the season, and the pressure is only building as we get closer to the playoffs.

Just a few days ago, Aces fans heard news they did not want to hear.

Aces forward NaLyssa Smith will miss the rest of the 2026 WNBA season after suffering a non-contact leg injury on Sunday, Aug. 23. No other information has been released yet as to the exact injury and if she will require surgery. This loss is a huge blow to the team just as they are about to head into the playoffs. 

Clearly a fan favorite, this news hits hard just as the regular season is winding down. Smith averaged 11.7 points per game before she got injured. 

Aces Sign Center Kalani Brown As The Season Winds Down

On Saturday morning, the Aces organization sent a press release announcing the signing of Kalani Brown. They also shared the news in an Instagram post. 

According to the press release, Aces President and General Manager Nikki Fargas said, “The Las Vegas Aces are thrilled to welcome Kalani to the family. She brings an extremely diverse skillset, has a great paint presence and is a strong rebounder. Kalani has made such an impact on each team she’s played for and will have continued success in an Aces uniform.”

Brown was selected No. 7 in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, and averaged 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 13 minutes. After her rookie year in LA, she played for the Atlanta Dream in 2020 and 2021, Dallas Wings in 2023 and 2024, and Phoenix Mercury in 2025.

Las Vegas Aces Took The Win On Friday Night Against Toronto Tempo

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The House was filled with excitement on Friday night as the Aces took on the Toronto Tempo. With only two home games left in the regular season, and this being the last game before the World Cup break, the crowd brought the energy and the Aces got the win, 93-73. 

Superstar A’ja Wilson had 27 points and 8 rebounds, Jackie Young scored 23 points with a game-high 8 assists, and Chelsea Gray finished with 11 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

According to a press release sent to The Blast from the Aces organization, “Over 37 games, Wilson has scored 962 points and needs 38 more for her second 1,000-point season.” 

She entered Friday’s game listing No. 5 on the league’s all-time single-season scoring list with 935 points. Scoring 27 points in Friday’s game, she passed herself (937 in 2025) and Jewell Loyd’s 939 scored in 2023 to sit at No. 3 with 932.

Friday Night’s Game Was Raiders Alumni Night And Included A Tribute Moment To Dolly Parton

The theme of Friday night’s game was “Once a Raider, always a Raider” while honoring Raiders Alumni Night. This meant good luck for many fans as the alumni players got on the court to throw t-shirts at one point during the game and boy can they throw!

Also, during Friday night’s game, a little tribute to Dolly Parton had The House singing “9 to 5” together. One person featured on the screen during the sing-along was wearing a Parton pin in honor of the iconic legend.

Halftime had some great entertainment with an Earth, Wind, & Fire cover band named Serpentine Fire singing some of their hottest tunes, while The High Rollers (the Aces’ 50 and older dance team) got groovy on the court.

Next Up For The Aces…

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The WNBA is about to go on a break for the FIBA Women’s World Cup from August 31 through September 16. The World Cup will be held in Berlin from September 4 to 13.

There are only four more regular season games for the Aces, two away and two at home. On September 17, the Aces will play the Storm in Seattle before heading home to play them once again on September 20. On September 22, the Aces will play their last regular season home game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Their final regular season game will be against the Phoenix Mercury in Phoenix on September 24.

For more information on the Aces and their full schedule, visit the website.