The WNBA's leadership has found itself in a new controversy, this time over a social media post that promoted a $400 wager between two players on the outcome of a game.
The league's official social media account posted a video of Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese discussing the wager, with Reese holding a stack of $100 bills.
Bueckers joked during the exchange, "This is how the rich stay rich," while Reese was seen laughing and discussing the bet.
The WNBA later shared the footage ahead of the game, but the post was removed after fans pointed out that the league's rulebook prohibits players from wagering on league games.
The controversy grew after Atlanta rallied from a 15-point deficit to defeat Dallas 82-81, with Reese finishing with 22 points and 12 rebounds and Bueckers recording 17 points and six assists.
Following the victory, Reese appeared to reference the wager on social media, writing, "DUBS IN THE MF CHAT" with the hashtag "#cuatrocientos," Spanish for 400.
The WNBA's social media post was seen as a clear violation of the league's rules, which prohibit players from directly or indirectly wagering on any aspect of a WNBA competition.
The current Collective Bargaining Agreement, which became effective in March 2026, explicitly prohibits wagering on WNBA games and outlines penalties for violating players, including fines, suspensions, dismissal, or permanent disqualification.
The WNBA later admitted that its social media post "missed the mark" and said the matter had been "addressed internally," but fans and critics are calling for greater accountability and consistency in enforcing the league's rules.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert reportedly chose not to punish Bueckers and Reese, despite the clear violation of the league's rules.
The incident has raised questions about the WNBA's leadership and its commitment to enforcing its own rules and policies.
