PHOENIX (Interstat) — The WNBA season opens Saturday with a Western Conference finals rematch as the Las Vegas Aces visit the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m. EDT. Both teams enter with 0-0 records across all competitions, but recent history heavily favors the defending champion Aces. Las Vegas defeated the Mercury 97-86 on Oct. 10, 2025, in their most recent meeting, completing a three-game sweep in the conference finals. The Aces have won seven consecutive games against Phoenix, including five by double digits. Las Vegas is installed as a 7-point favorite, with the over/under set at 165.5 points. The Aces return their core from last season’s championship run, while the Mercury retooled in the offseason after falling short in the playoffs. Saturday’s contest marks the first of a five-game road trip for Las Vegas. The Aces travel to Los Angeles on Sunday, then face Connecticut in a two-game set beginning May 13. After a swing through Atlanta on May 16-17, Las Vegas returns home May 23 to host the Sparks. Phoenix opens a challenging six-game homestand. After Saturday’s opener, the Mercury host Golden State on Sunday, then Minnesota in a back-to-back set May 11-12. Chicago visits May 15, followed by Toronto on May 19 and Los Angeles on May 21. The homestand’s difficulty is compounded by the fact that Golden State, Minnesota and Chicago all qualified for the playoffs last season. The Aces led the league in offensive rating last year, averaging 93.4 points per game in the regular season. The Mercury allowed 88.2 points per game defensively, ranking eighth. Las Vegas forward A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP, averaged 28.3 points and 12.6 rebounds in last season’s conference finals. Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper countered with 22.1 points per game in the series but shot just 38% from the field. The two teams split the 2025 regular-season series 2-2 before the Aces’ postseason dominance. Saturday’s game will be broadcast nationally. The Mercury are seeking their first win against Las Vegas since July 30, 2025.