The WNBA found itself at the center of attention following a controversial post on its official social media account. The post, now deleted, was shared on Wednesday before a game between the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings.
The video appeared to show players Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese joking about placing a $400 bet on their game’s outcome. Such interaction seemingly violated league policies on betting.
In response, the WNBA released a statement on Thursday. According to The Athletic, the league emphasized that while the post was meant to be lighthearted, it breached their strict policies against betting. Players receive annual training to ensure adherence to these rules. The league removed the post shortly after its publication and managed the issue internally.
“We will also use this as an opportunity to reemphasize with the players involved that conversations about wagering on WNBA games, even when intended as a joke, can have negative consequences,” stated the WNBA.
In the game itself, the Atlanta Dream narrowly defeated the Dallas Wings with a final score of 82-81. Angel Reese delivered an impressive performance, scoring 22 points, securing 12 rebounds, adding four assists, and making four steals. Paige Bueckers contributed 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Postgame, Reese humorously remarked, “Yeah, I’ll be requesting my Apple Pay after this. Paige is a great player. To hold her to 16 points, it’s tough.”