MGM Resorts International announced that its WNBA franchise will be called the Las Vegas Aces at a news conference at Mandalay Bay on Dec. 12, 2017. Las Vegas' first major professional basketball team – formerly the San Antonio Stars – will begin play in its new home in the 2018 season. The announcement was made by Laimbeer and MGM Resorts President Bill Hornbuckle, and WNBA President Lisa Borders at the event to reveal the team's name and logo at the news conference. MGM Resorts received unanimous approval from the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors in October in connection with its purchase and relocation of the team from San Antonio to Las Vegas. In its inaugural season in Las Vegas, the Aces are expected to play 17 home games at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The Aces will become the second major professional sports team in Las Vegas, following the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, who play at T-Mobile Arena. The NFL's Oakland Raiders are expected to relocate to Las Vegas by the 2020 season.