The WNBA is back, and so is big WNBA-related news. Catch up on the latest dramas and developments:
Hamby sues WNBA, Aces
On Monday, the Los Angeles Sparks’ Dearica Hamby filed a federal lawsuit in a Nevada court against the WNBA and Las Vegas Aces, alleging intimidation, discrimination and retaliation. The Aces traded a then-pregnant Hamby to the Sparks in Jan. 2023, the culmination of what she understands as the organization’s dissatisfaction with her pregnancy.
Hamby, with the support of the WNBPA, called for a league inquiry into her treatment, resulting in an investigation by the WNBA. After interviewing 33 people and reviewing documents, the WNBA suspended Aces head coach Becky Hammon for two games and voided the Aces’ 2025 first-round draft pick. The investigation, which did not include interviews with Aces players, and subsequent penalties were unsatisfactory to Hamby, who is seeking financial reparations with her lawsuit. She submitted an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (ECCO) complaint in Sept. 2023 and received “Notice of Right to Sue” in May 2024.
Hamby claims Aces traded her after she got pregnant during the 2022 season, and after she had signed contract extension with Aces a month before she found out she was pregnant. Hamby claims WNBA…
