Because she believes she was discriminated against after announcing her pregnancy to her managers, Dearica Hambythe former Aces player, is suing the WNBA and her former team. The Olympic medalist claims she was subjected to “bullying” and “discrimination” by her franchise, which resulted in her trade to the Sparks in January 2023, when she announced she was pregnant with her second child.
Furthermore, Dearica Hamby accuses the WNBA of not having properly investigated this matter, and she believes she has lost a lot financially, and is therefore seeking compensatory damages, but also punitive damages from both entities.
WNBA Says Aces Have Already Been Sanctioned
A month after the complaint was filed, the WNBA and Aces strike back with the filing of motions to invalidate this complaint. On the WNBA side, it is believed that the player does not have to file a complaint against the league since the WNBA is not her employer. Furthermore, regarding the investigation, the league recalls that there were consequences: Becky Hammon was suspended for two games without pay and the Aces were deprived of their first round of the 2025 Draft.
Finally, the WNBA denies any idea of retaliation in the decision to end a marketing-related agreement with Hamby since there was a nine-month gap between her complaint and the expiration of the contract.
Aces await proof
For their part, the Aces point out that Hamby has provided no evidence of retaliation or discrimination. Hamby’s complaint alleges that the Aces traded her because she was pregnant and retaliated against her after she posted on social media about alleged pregnancy discrimination. Hamby’s false allegations against the Aces fall far short of a plausible claim for relief.
On the sporting front, Hamby had her best season in her career with 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds on average. An All-Star and Olympic champion in Paris, she won two Best 6th Player trophies with the Aces.
