Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream has dismissed concerns over the recent public relations issues facing the WNBA. The league was criticized after posting, and quickly deleting, a video of Reese and Dallas Wings player Paige Bueckers. This incident touched on a problematic issue in sports: betting.
Before their Wednesday game in Arlington, Reese and Bueckers agreed on a $400 bet. Following the Dream’s tight 82-81 victory, Reese commented on the bet, saying she’d be asking for her money via Apple Pay.
“Yeah, I’ll be requesting my Apple Pay after this,” Reese said after the game.
Critics highlighted that such “lighthearted” exchanges might not be accepted in other leagues like the NBA. There were questions about whether players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham would face similar reactions. With Cunningham facing media scrutiny, some wondered about double standards.
[Reese] only admitted it because it was filmed, who knows what other games she bet on?” a critic wrote.
I wonder what the WNBA would have done if it was Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham making a $400 wager on a game they are playing in instead of Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers?” another commented.
Under the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 5(c) strictly bans players from making wagers on league games. This includes direct or indirect bets. Penalties for violations can be severe, including fines, suspensions, or even permanent bans to maintain league integrity.
The league addressed the issue by characterizing the exchange as “lighthearted” with no planned disciplinary action. They emphasized that players are educated annually on the league’s betting prohibition policies.
A statement from the WNBA read:
“While the social media post was intended to be lighthearted, WNBA players are well aware of the league’s policies prohibiting betting on WNBA games and receive training every year reinforcing those policies.”
The league stated they acted by removing the post shortly after, addressing it internally. They plan to use this issue to remind players that even joking about betting can have repercussions.
Though deleting the video managed the immediate PR issue, it raised questions about the league’s consistency in maintaining standards.
DiJonai Carrington’s Ejection and Controversial Match Against Indiana Fever 
Controversy in WNBA Over Caitlin Clark and Race Allegations 
Roger Craig Reveals Dementia Diagnosis During Hall of Fame Speech 
Controversy Follows DiJonai Carrington After Ejection from Chicago Sky Game 
Controversial Incident Leads to Ejection in WNBA Game 
Roger Craig’s Moving Hall of Fame Induction