Las Vegas Aces Owner Hits WNBA With Caitlin Clark Accusation

Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis isn't too happy with the WNBA's investigation of his team over a recent sponsorship deal, so much so that he even used Caitlin Clark to make his point.

For those who missed it, the Aces are the subject of a league investigation after the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced a sponsorship deal worth $1.2 million--with each of the 12 players receiving $100,000 each.

A deal for each player was reportedly negotiated individually since teams cannot facilitate because it will violate the collective bargaining agreement. Still, however, the  WNBA is looking into it to ensure the legality and fairness of it.

After all, teams can try to circumvent the league's salary cap by using such sponsorships.

Not only did Mark Davis deny any wrongdoing in their part with regards to the deal, he also questioned the league for such action. The Aces boss, who also owns the NFL franchise Las Vegas Raiders, particularly noted the use of the word "investigation," which he thinks could deter other potential sponsors.

"There was absolutely nothing done wrong. 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," Davis said of the deal, per CBS Sports.

Davis then went on to point out Nike's deal with Caitlin Clark, seemingly hinting that there is an unfair treatment going on in the league. While Nike is an equity investor in the WNBA, they were able to still sponsor the Indiana Fever rookie.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball down court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the Indiana Fever home opener game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Davis shared that his Raiders cannot sponsor the Aces, but Nike can do so on players despite having stakes at the league.

"Nike is an owner of the WNBA and they're allowed to sponsor Caitlin Clark for $28 million on one player. And nobody's complaining or investigating. And I think it's great that Nike's doing that. But let's give credit to where credit's due: Las Vegas Convention Authority is stepping up and recognizing these women," Davis noted.

It remains to be seen what the WNBA investigation will reveal, though it will also be just interesting how they will respond to Davis' comments.