Tom Brady drew online mockery for a red “Thriller” style jacket at a Las Vegas Aces game. The Aces lost 99-66 to Phoenix.
Tom Brady’s courtside appearance at a Las Vegas Aces game turned into a social-media talking point almost immediately, and not for basketball reasons.
The NFL icon, 48, attended the WNBA champions’ 2026 season opener at Michelob ULTRA Arena as part-owner of the franchise. Las Vegas kicked off the campaign against the Phoenix Mercury, but the night ended badly for the Aces, who were defeated 99-66.
Brady wore what became the focus of instant online reaction: a bold. bright red leather jacket over a white t-shirt. paired with black pants.. Fans took to social media to suggest his look may have been influenced by the latest Michael Jackson film that has recently hit theaters. turning his outfit into the evening’s most debated topic.
One post on X mocked the styling in a jokingly personal way, while another said Brady’s stylist “needs to be fired.” A fan clip from the stands captured the crowd reaction with the text “Not Tom Brady in the Thriller jacket!”—a reference that blended Brady’s red look with the iconic MJ theme.
Even with the comedic spotlight on his clothing, Brady still had an active, visible role around the team.. He was involved in the Aces’ ring ceremony before the game began, marking their 2025 WNBA championship.. His attendance also underlined how seriously the franchise views its new season. using the build-up to the opener to reinforce its status at the top.
Before tip-off, Brady was also seen in discussion with Bam Adebayo. Adebayo is a Miami Heat star, and the report noted he is dating A’ja Wilson, the leading player for Las Vegas—making the pregame interaction notable for fans following the league’s biggest personalities.
Brady’s presence in Las Vegas is also portrayed as part of his broader post-retirement sporting footprint. Since entering retirement, he has been building his business and team involvement in the city, including a minority stake with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
That NFL involvement is tied to a clear, ongoing rebuild. The Raiders have replaced head coach Pete Carroll with Klint Kubiak, who last season served as offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.
Quarterback changes have been central to the Raiders’ plan as well.. They traded last year’s starter Geno Smith to the New York Jets. and the report indicated that 2026 is expected to begin with Kirk Cousins as the starter. while the team also looks to bring Fernando Mendoza along and give him time to adjust to the NFL.
The offseason has come with major investment in personnel.. The Raiders splashed out over $280m in free agency. adding star center Tyler Linderbaum and other high-profile names including Jalen Nailor and Nakobe Dean.. They have also retained Maxx Crosby after a prior trade to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed.
As for what comes next, the Raiders schedule for the 2026 season is expected to be released on Thursday, according to the report. For the Aces, the immediate focus shifts quickly back to the court, with their next game scheduled for Sunday against the Los Angeles Sparks.
With the opener already decided against them. the 99-66 result gives Las Vegas a short runway to respond—especially as Brady’s courtside arrival has increased attention on the team’s title expectations.. Whether the jacket becomes a one-night meme or something that follows him. the real test will arrive with each subsequent WNBA matchup. starting with how the Aces bounce back from a tough loss to Phoenix.
Tom Brady Las Vegas Aces Phoenix Mercury WNBA season opener fashion backlash Michael Jackson Raiders offseason