The WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces have denied allegations of mistreatment brought by basketball player Dearica Hamby, who accused her former team of discriminating against her after she became pregnant. In separate motions filed in Nevada District Court, both the league and the Aces requested the dismissal of Hamby’s lawsuit, which was initially filed on August 12. Hamby’s lawsuit seeks damages for harm to her reputation and lost income opportunities, claiming that the Aces organization discriminated against her and that the WNBA failed to properly investigate the issue.
The motions, filed on September 11, argue that Hamby’s lawsuit does not provide sufficient legal grounds for her claims. According to court documents obtained by the Associated Press and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Aces’ filing asks the court to dismiss all of Hamby’s claims. The WNBA’s motion contends that Hamby was not directly employed by the league, absolving it of liability in the matter.
The WNBA also defended its response to Hamby’s allegations, pointing to disciplinary actions taken earlier this year. After Hamby’s initial complaint, WNBA coach Becky Hammon, who leads the Aces, was suspended for two games without pay, and the team was docked a first-round draft pick in 2025.
These penalties were handed down after an investigation into Hamby’s accusations that Hammon discriminated against her upon learning she was pregnant.
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Becky Hammon addressed the allegations during a press conference on August 19, shortly after Hamby’s lawsuit was filed. Hammon firmly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing her long-standing record in professional basketball. “Here are some facts. I’ve been in either the WNBA or NBA for now 25 years. I’ve never had an HR complaint. Never, not once,” Hammon told reporters. She further claimed that Hamby had not officially filed a complaint with the league or the players’ union against her, stating, “Those are facts.”
Hamby’s lawsuit centers on an alleged deterioration in her relationship with the Aces after she revealed her pregnancy during the team’s championship parade in 2022. According to The Athletic, Hamby’s lawyers argue that the Aces traded her to the Los Angeles Sparks because of her pregnancy, describing the move as an “exile” for choosing to have a child.
Despite the legal battle, Hamby has had an impressive season with the Los Angeles Sparks. Averaging 16.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, she is a top candidate for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award.
As the lawsuit unfolds, both the WNBA and the Aces continue to deny any discriminatory actions, while Hamby and her legal team maintain that she was unjustly treated for becoming pregnant.
The case highlights ongoing discussions about the treatment of female athletes and workplace discrimination in professional sports.
