WNBA Responds to Referee Gambling Rumors: “The Integrity of Our Game Remains Intact”

Following days of intense speculation and widespread rumors across social media, the WNBA has officially responded to allegations suggesting that three referees were involved in game-fixing and gambling activities. In a strongly worded statement released earlier today, the league firmly denied all claims and reassured fans, teams, and stakeholders about the integrity and fairness of its competition.

“No Evidence Supports These Claims,” Says WNBA

The statement, issued by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, directly addressed the rumors that had gained traction online over the past week.

“There is no evidence to support the allegations that have recently circulated regarding WNBA referees being involved in any form of gambling or game manipulation,” the league said. “We take these matters seriously, and out of an abundance of caution, we conducted a preliminary internal review. The results found no wrongdoing or breaches of our integrity policies.”

The league added that all referees undergo regular training, background checks, and monitoring, particularly in areas related to betting and game integrity.

Commitment to Transparency and Fairness

Commissioner Engelbert emphasized the league’s ongoing commitment to maintaining fairness on and off the court.

“We understand how passionate our fans are, and we welcome scrutiny when it’s constructive. But in this case, there is simply no factual basis for these claims. The WNBA has zero tolerance for any activity that could compromise the fairness of our games. That standard remains unchanged.”

The statement also noted that the referees mentioned in online speculation will continue in their roles without suspension or disciplinary action, as the investigation found no reason to take further steps.

Social Media Rumors Sparked Concern

The rumors began after fans noticed a series of questionable officiating calls in recent games, which some claimed aligned suspiciously with betting trends. Videos circulated on TikTok, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter) fueled the theory that certain referees may have influenced game outcomes for gambling purposes.

However, the WNBA clarified that close-game calls and human error are part of the sport and should not be immediately interpreted as malicious intent.

“Referees make hundreds of split-second decisions every game,” the statement continued. “While not every call will be perfect, there is a rigorous system in place for performance review and accountability.”

Players and Coaches Support the League’s Stance

Several players and coaches have publicly backed the league’s statement, emphasizing their trust in the officiating system.

A’ja Wilson, star forward for the Las Vegas Aces, tweeted: “I’ve been in this league long enough to know refs get things right most of the time. This is basketball—not a conspiracy.”

Coach Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx also voiced support: “We’ve had tough calls, sure—but I’ve never doubted the integrity of our officials.”

Conclusion

With its official denial, the WNBA hopes to put the rumors to rest and refocus attention on the athletes and the competitive spirit of the league. While the league encourages continued dialogue with fans, it remains clear in its position: the integrity of the WNBA is not up for debate.