WNBA Under Investigation for Alleged Civil Rights Violations Amid Growing Controversy

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is currently facing increasing scrutiny as multiple civil rights allegations have emerged, triggering investigations and raising questions about the league’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and player welfare.

At the center of the controversy is a federal lawsuit filed by two-time All-Star Dearica Hamby. The forward, who was traded from the Las Vegas Aces to the Los Angeles Sparks after announcing her pregnancy, claims she was subjected to discrimination and retaliation by her former team. In the lawsuit, Hamby alleges the Aces denied promised benefits such as housing and her child’s school tuition, and that staff members made derogatory remarks about her pregnancy, questioning her commitment to the game. These actions, she argues, violated both her contract and the league’s maternity protections.

While the WNBA conducted its own investigation and issued penalties—including a two-game suspension for Aces coach Becky Hammon and the loss of the team’s 2025 first-round draft pick—Hamby has stated these measures fall far short of justice. Her lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks compensation and systemic reform, reigniting broader concerns about how female athletes are treated in professional sports, particularly when balancing motherhood and career.

Simultaneously, the league has been addressing allegations of racial harassment during a high-profile game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky on May 17, 2025. Reports emerged that Chicago rookie Angel Reese, a rising star known for her collegiate rivalry with Caitlin Clark, was targeted by fans in Indianapolis with racist slurs. The incident sparked national attention and led to the WNBA launching a formal investigation.

In response, the WNBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting players and fans through its “No Space for Hate” initiative—a campaign designed to eliminate harassment both in arenas and on digital platforms. Measures include increased arena security, stricter fan conduct policies, and expanded mental health support for players. The campaign underscores the league’s proactive stance in addressing growing concerns about safety and respect in the wake of the WNBA’s surge in popularity.

Following a thorough review of video footage, interviews with arena staff, and analysis of audio recordings, the league announced that it found no conclusive evidence to confirm that racial slurs were directed at Reese during the game. Despite the outcome, the WNBA emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward hate and promised to remain vigilant. Both Reese and Clark publicly supported the investigation and the league’s efforts to maintain a respectful environment.

These controversies come at a time when WNBA players are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement aimed at achieving fair revenue sharing, better compensation, and improved working conditions. As the league grows in visibility and commercial appeal, its handling of these civil rights issues may serve as a defining moment for its future.