Dearica Hamby Sues WNBA, Aces Over Pregnancy Discrimination

Dearica Hamby, a Los Angeles Sparks forward, has filed a federal lawsuit against the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, alleging discrimination and retaliation after she announced her pregnancy in 2022. Hamby claims the Aces reneged on promises of housing and tuition benefits, mistreated her, and ultimately traded her to the Sparks. The WNBA had already disciplined the Aces and head coach Becky Hammon with a suspension and loss of draft picks after an investigation into Hamby's allegations. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has stated that the league is reviewing the lawsuit. Hamby's case highlights ongoing concerns around the treatment of pregnant players in the league.