After a record-breaking WNBA season that ended with the 2022 title last summer, the Las Vegas Aces were celebrated at the White House on Friday as the first “major professional sports team” to bring the state of Nevada a championship. 

The team was welcomed by Vice President Kamala Harris.

“​​I will tell you, [the Bidens] always make sure that we keep the People’s House [open] to our nation’s athletes and champions,” Harris said. “And so, I send you their best regards.”

President Joe Biden was on an extended vacation in Lake Tahoe with his family.

Harris noted that “it was only five years ago that this franchise moved to Las Vegas from San Antonio. And now they are the first major professional sports team in Nevada history … to win a championship. Think about that.” 

The team had a record-breaking 30 wins on its way to the championship — the most in the history of the franchise, according to ESPN.

The 2022 @WNBA Champion @LVAces define excellence in every way. They inspire us not only because how they play, but because of who they are and what they do — both on and off the court.

Congratulations, Aces. It was my honor to welcome you to the White House today. pic.twitter.com/DKyvbzjKsZ

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 26, 2023

Las Vegas Aces President Nikki Fargas said it was “appropriate” to have the event one day before Women’s Equality Day. 

Her comments come after basketball players such as WNBA star Brittney Griner announced she was releasing a book about her “wrongful imprisonment” after working in Russia to support her family — something that Nneka Ogwumike, the head of the WNBA players union, said could have been avoided if the gender pay gap in women’s sports was addressed.

“You know that in our country, women still make only about 84 cents for every dollar that a man makes and that the gap is wider in professional sports,” Harris said during the Aces’ visit.