The WNBA stripped the Las Vegas Aces of their 2025 first-round draft pick and suspended head coach Becky Hammon two games without pay for violating Respect in the Workplace policies.
In a statement, the league said the Aces were guilty of two violations. The first “involved promises of impermissible benefits in connection with negotiations for a (contract) extension of then Aces player Dearica Hamby” and the second “was related to comments made by Hammon to Hamby in connection with Hamby’s recent pregnancy.”
The Aces won the 2022 WNBA title and Hamby announced she was expecting her second child during the team’s championship parade in September. The Aces then traded Hamby to the San Antonio Sparks in January. Shortly after the trade, Hamby accused the Aces of discrimination related to her pregnancy.
“I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet, my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect and disregard from members of management,” Hamby wrote.
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The WNBA said it spoke to 33 people and reviewed numerous documents and messages during its investigation. The league also said “additional concerns about the conduct of the Aces during the most recent free agency period” were raised during those interviews, but the league has not been able to substantiate those claims.
“It is critical that we uphold the values of integrity and fairness, which create a level playing field for our teams,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “The Aces failed to adhere to league rules and regulations and have been disciplined accordingly. We are also disheartened by the violation of our Respect in the Workplace policies and remain committed to ensuring that enhanced training is conducted and standards are followed across all WNBA teams.”
The WNBA and WNBA Players Association entered into a landmark collective bargaining agreement that significantly improved conditions for players to become mothers.
The CBA now includes fully paid maternity leave as well as increases in child-care stipends and access to larger apartments, among other improvements.
The Aces lost their 2025 first-round pick as part of the punishment because the 2024 pick had previously been traded.
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