Dearica Hamby Sues WNBA and Las Vegas Aces, Alleging Discrimination Over Pregnancy

In a case that could have wide-reaching implications for athlete rights and maternity protections in professional sports, two-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit against the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, claiming she was discriminated against and ultimately traded because of her pregnancy.

The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, alleges that the Aces’ leadership began treating Hamby differently once she informed them of her second pregnancy in 2022. Hamby, who had spent eight seasons with the Aces franchise and had just signed a multi-year contract extension, says the tone and perception of her role on the team dramatically shifted following the announcement.

A Sudden Shift in Treatment

Hamby claims that after she shared the news of her pregnancy, Aces management began questioning her commitment to the team and her ability to contribute in the upcoming season. In her complaint, she states she was referred to as a “question mark” and was told she “would not be ready” in time to return to peak performance. This messaging, according to Hamby, created a hostile and uncomfortable environment — one that ultimately led to her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023.

“I was honest about my pregnancy because I believed in this organization and its commitment to women,” Hamby said in a public statement after the trade. “Instead, I was treated like a burden.”

Hamby’s legal team argues that the treatment violated not only basic labor protections, but also the standards outlined in the WNBA’s 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which specifically included expanded maternity protections. These protections were celebrated as a progressive step forward for women athletes balancing motherhood and professional careers.

Allegations Against the Aces and the League

The lawsuit names both the Las Vegas Aces and the WNBA as defendants. While the Aces are accused of discrimination, retaliation, and emotional distress, the WNBA is being sued for allegedly failing to protect Hamby despite being aware of the situation.

This isn’t the first time the league has faced scrutiny over the issue. In 2023, following Hamby’s initial claims, the WNBA launched an investigation into the Aces. The league later concluded that the team had indeed violated league rules in its handling of Hamby’s trade, resulting in a suspension for then-head coach Becky Hammon and the loss of a 2025 draft pick for the Aces.

However, that punishment did not directly address the allegations of pregnancy discrimination. Now, Hamby’s lawsuit pushes the matter further into public and legal view, raising uncomfortable questions about how teams and leagues navigate the intersection of motherhood and elite athletic performance.

WNBA’s Response and a History of Change

In a brief statement, the WNBA said it takes all allegations of workplace discrimination seriously and is reviewing the lawsuit. The league emphasized its continued commitment to supporting players through pregnancy and motherhood, pointing to the progressive changes in the 2020 CBA, which include fully paid maternity leave, child care stipends, and two-bedroom housing for players with children.

Still, critics argue that enforcement and cultural attitudes lag behind the policy promises.

“This is not just about one player,” said employment lawyer Rachel Kleinman, who specializes in gender discrimination in sports. “It’s about how sports institutions — even women’s leagues — still reflect broader systemic biases against working mothers.”

A Complicated Legacy

Hamby, known for her hustle, rebounding, and clutch performances, was a key piece in the Aces’ rise to title contention. She was named Sixth Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2020 and played a critical role during the Aces’ run to the 2022 WNBA Championship. Her abrupt trade to the Sparks — less than two months after helping bring the franchise its first title — left many fans and analysts puzzled.

At the time, team executives publicly cited basketball reasons, pointing to the need to restructure the roster. But the context and timing of the trade raised eyebrows, especially after Hamby went public with her claims of being marginalized following her pregnancy announcement.

In the months that followed, Hamby joined the Sparks and returned to the court during the 2023 season, earning praise for her resilience and continued contributions on the hardwood while balancing motherhood.

What’s at Stake

Hamby’s lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges female athletes face when it comes to pregnancy and career longevity. While many leagues — including the WNBA — have introduced more progressive family planning policies, there remains a disconnect between formal rules and team-level implementation.

If successful, the lawsuit could set a legal precedent, holding both teams and leagues accountable for honoring their commitments to maternal protections. More broadly, it could serve as a rallying cry for players in all sports to demand not only policy but true equity.

“This isn’t just about basketball,” Hamby said in a recent interview. “It’s about respect. It’s about being valued as a full person — not just a player.”

Support From the Sports Community

In the wake of Hamby’s legal action, several current and former players have voiced their support publicly. Teammates, fans, and advocates have taken to social media with messages of solidarity, using hashtags like #IStandWithHamby to elevate her story.

Players’ union representatives have also weighed in, reiterating that the protections outlined in the CBA must be taken seriously by all franchises.

“The CBA was a huge step forward, but now it’s time to ensure those rights are protected in real-world situations,” said one union official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Dearica is speaking up not just for herself, but for every player who might face this in the future.”

Looking Ahead

As the case moves forward in court, it remains to be seen how the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces will respond. The outcome could shape not only Hamby’s career, but also future league policies and team practices across women’s sports.

For now, Hamby continues to balance her basketball career with motherhood, determined to be both a leader on the court and a voice for justice off it.

Her message is clear: no athlete should have to choose between their career and starting a family.