Retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady has acquired an ownership interest in the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, the team announced in a news release shared on their official website Thursday (March 23).

“I am very excited to be part of the Las Vegas Aces organization,” Brady said. “My love for women’s sports began at a young age when I would tag along to all my older sisters’ games—They were by far the best athletes in our house! We celebrated their accomplishments together as a family, and they remain a great inspiration to me.

“I have always been a huge fan of women’s sports, and I admire the work that the Aces’ players, staff, and the WNBA continue to do to grow the sport and empower future generations of athletes. To be able to contribute in any way to that mission as a member of the Aces organization is an incredible honor.”

The Aces are coming off their first WNBA championship in franchise history and added two-time WNBA Finals MVP Candace Parker to a lineup that already included two-time MVP A'ja Wilson, All-Star Kelsey Plum, 2022 WNBA Finals MVP Chelsea Gray -- Parker's former Los Angeles Sparks teammate -- and 2022 Most Improved Player Jackie Young, this offseason.

The Aces, formerly the San Antonio Stars, relocated to Las Vegas in 2018 and were purchased by Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis prior to the 2021 season.

Brady announced he's "retiring for good" after 23 NFL seasons in a video shared on his official social media accounts on February 1. The 45-year-old had previously announced his retirement last offseason before announcing his decision to return several weeks later.

Brady is set to become FOX Sports' lead NFL analyst beginning after the conclusion of his playing career, but has publicly stated that he won't start until 2024, taking the next year to spend time with his family and prepare for the job. The San Mateo native is the NFL's all-time passing leader for yards and touchdowns, as well as quarterback wins, among numerous other records.

Ed Lambert