WNBA rookie Elizabeth Kitley is no stranger to the spotlight, but her recent introduction to the Las Vegas Aces certainly caught everyone off guard, and not in the way you might think! Imagine stepping into a press conference, eager to showcase your talents, only to find that your ensemble has the internet buzzing—because it looked like you forgot to wear a shirt! That’s exactly what happened when Kitley’s strapless top went viral, making her appear “naked” on stage. Talk about turning heads for all the wrong reasons—yet, she completely played it cool. With a witty social media response and a growing anticipation for her debut after a tough injury setback, it’s safe to say Kitley has made quite the entrance. Is this just a sneak peek at the kind of flair she’ll bring to the court? One thing’s for sure: whether it’s through her fashion faux pas or her performance, Elizabeth Kitley is already making waves in the WNBA!
WNBA star Elizabeth Kitley had all eyes on her during her official introduction with the Las Vegas Aces—but not for the reason she expected!
A viral photo from the event had fans doing a double take, as her strapless top created the illusion that she was topless at the press conference.
Despite the optical illusion, Kitley took the moment in stride, even poking fun at the unexpected frenzy on social media. The 6-foot-6 center is set to make her long-awaited WNBA debut this season after missing her rookie year due to injury, and if her viral introduction is any indication, she’s already making a splash.
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Kitley, a standout from Virginia Tech, was officially introduced by the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday after signing her deferred contract earlier this month. While fans were eager to see the highly anticipated rookie take the stage, it was her outfit that stole the spotlight.
The illusion created by her strapless top made it seem like Kitley had gone “naked” at the press conference, leading to a flood of reactions online. Some joked that the WNBA had unintentionally taken a bold new marketing direction, while others simply marveled at how the angle of the photo played tricks on their eyes.
Seeing the online chatter, Kitley joined in on the fun, sharing the image on her Instagram with a witty caption: “Excellent execution by me.”
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While her press conference look made waves, the real excitement surrounding Kitley is about what she’ll bring to the court this season. The 6-foot-6 center was drafted by the Aces last year but was sidelined for her rookie campaign due to an ACL injury. Now fully recovered, she is expected to provide depth at the post position behind two-time MVP A’ja Wilson.
Kitley’s college career at Virginia Tech cemented her as one of the top prospects in the WNBA. She was a three-time All-American and became the first player in school history to have her No. 33 jersey retired in early 2025. With her professional debut now on the horizon, Aces fans are eager to see what she can contribute to the reigning champions.
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Kitley’s introduction was part of a larger event that also welcomed Olympic gold medalist and former Seattle Storm star Jewell Lloyd to the Aces. Lloyd, a multi-time WNBA All-Star, was acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier this year, adding even more firepower to Las Vegas’ already dominant roster.
With Wilson, Lloyd, and now a promising young talent in Kitley, the Aces are looking to extend their reign at the top of the WNBA.
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As expected, Kitley’s “naked” look became a hot topic across social media platforms, with fans and sports analysts alike joining in on the conversation.
“Elizabeth Kitley really pulled up to her Aces press conference looking like this and broke the internet,” one user wrote.
Another joked, “The WNBA might have just found its best viral marketing strategy yet.”
Kitley’s good-natured response to the viral moment only endeared her further to fans. Rather than shying away from the attention, she embraced the humor of the situation, proving that she’s not just a force on the court but also someone who knows how to have fun with the spotlight.
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With her introductory press conference behind her, Kitley can now focus on preparing for her first season in the WNBA. As she gets ready to take the court with the Aces, all eyes will be on how the former college star transitions to the professional level.
One thing is for sure—whether it’s through her play or her viral moments, Kitley is already making her presence known in the WNBA.