Sparks Hamby, A Professional Basketball Player, Has Filed A Lawsuit Against The Wnba And The Las Vegas Aces, Accusing Them Of Discrimination And Retaliation Due To Her Pregnancy.

In a recent development, former All-Star player Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit against the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, citing mistreatment during her pregnancy. The lawsuit claims that the Aces engaged in discrimination and retaliation against Hamby, which eventually led to her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023.

While the WNBA has acknowledged the legal filing and is currently reviewing the complaint, the Aces have not yet responded to requests for comment. However, earlier statements by Coach Becky Hammon and the team have denied the allegations. Hammon stated in May 2023 that Hamby’s trade was driven by strategic reasons, particularly to make room for the signing of Candace Parker, a highly regarded player in the league.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Hamby has made public claims against the Aces. Back in May 2023, the WNBA conducted an investigation and subsequently suspended Hammon for two games without pay. Additionally, the club was penalized with the loss of their 2025 first-round draft pick for engaging in impermissible player benefits concerning Hamby.

Unsatisfied with the actions taken by the league, Hamby filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in September, alleging discrimination. The lawsuit states that in May, the EEOC ruled in favor of Hamby, granting her the right to pursue legal action.

Hamby’s attorneys emphasize that the WNBA is ultimately a workplace, and federal laws protect pregnant women from discrimination. They argue that Hamby, who is a world champion player, was unjustly sidelined by the Aces due to her pregnancy, and the league’s response was insufficient. This case has significant implications for all potential mother players in the league, as it raises concerns about how childbirth may impact their career prospects.

Hamby played for the Aces organization from 2015 to 2022, initially when they were known as the San Antonio Stars. During her time with the team, she achieved notable accolades, including being named the league’s Sixth Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020, as well as making the All-Star team three out of the last four seasons. In the current season, she has been excelling, averaging career-highs of 19.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.

This lawsuit marks the latest off-court issue faced by the Aces. They are currently under investigation by the WNBA regarding a controversial two-year sponsorship deal offered by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The deal entails each player receiving a monthly payment of $25,000, with a potential yearly total of up to $100,000.