The WNBA involuntarily recorded two of its most famous players violating the league’s CBA and then posted it for the world to see.
Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream and Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings made a friendly $400 wager over whose team would win the Thursday night clash between the squads.
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The WNBA recorded this moment for an exciting social media post, but clearly didn’t realize they just recorded two All-Stars flouting the league’s new CBA.
The WNBA posted a video of their social media manager reminding Bueckers of the $400 bet she made with Reese during All-Star weekend, spliced with clips of Reese and Bueckers making that deal, with the cash literally on screen.
Page 165 of the WNBA CBA clearly describes why this is strictly banned.
“Any player found by the Commissioner after a hearing to have been guilty of wagering (directly or indirectly), or of offering or attempting to wager, money or anything of value on the outcome, score, or any other aspect of any WNBA Competition shall, in the sole discretion of the Commissioner, be subject to a fine, suspension, and/or dismissal and disqualification from any further association with the WNBA.”
The league literally provided evidence of two of its biggest stars wagering on a game outcome, giving rival teams legitimate cause to pursue the league office to punish the players or their teams.
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A direct wager on your own team winning should be considered a good-spirited bet, but the pervasive influence of gambling on the integrity of the sport has led to harsh rules like this to protect the game.
Opposing players likely make wagers against each other out of pride all the time, but it’s best if the official league refrains from promoting the same.
Reese did end up winning the bet, as the Dream picked up a sensational 82-81 win over Bueckers’ Wings.
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