The WNBA has deleted a social media post that featured two of its prominent players, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, discussing a wager they made on a recent game. The video, originally posted to the league's official X account, captured the players during All-Star Weekend practice discussing a bet for their matchup following the break.
The deleted post's caption indicated that Bueckers was discussing a bet with Reese on their game, where the Atlanta Dream narrowly defeated the Dallas Wings 82-81. Social media users preserved and reposted the video, which appears to show Reese holding cash as she and Bueckers agree to the terms of the wager. A voice behind the camera is heard reminding Bueckers of the bet on game day.
This incident occurs at a time of increased attention on sports betting involving professional and collegiate athletes. According to the WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, specifically Section 5(c), any player found to be wagering on "any aspect of any WNBA Competition" can be subject to fines, suspension, or disqualification at the commissioner's discretion.
While WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is unlikely to impose severe penalties on Bueckers and Reese, two of the league's stars, due to the nature of the friendly wager, their actions technically violate league rules. The video also raises questions about the league's decision to post such content, which has since been removed.
The league is likely aiming to avoid any perception of endorsing gambling on its games and prevent the situation from escalating into a larger controversy. The deleted video captured a moment that, by the letter of league rules, could lead to repercussions for the players involved and potentially for whoever shared the post on the WNBA's official account.