The essentials: Three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the league and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, alleging unlawful employment discrimination related to her second pregnancy.
The background: Hamby first signed with the Aces (then the San Antonio Stars) in 2015 and was a key member of the organization, contributing to their first championship title in September 2022. Three months before that title run, Hamby signed a two-year contract extension to stay with the Aces.
- She later announced her second pregnancy publicly during the team’s championship parade.
The turning point: In January 2023, Hamby was abruptly traded to the LA Sparks (her current team). She immediately voiced her displeasure, claiming she was “lied to, bullied, manipulated and discriminated against,” which sparked an investigation by the WNBPA.
- Hamby gave birth to her son, Legend, in April 2023 and played all 40 of the Sparks’ games last season. Following the WNBPA’s investigation, the WNBA suspended Aces head coach Becky Hammon for two games in 2023 and revoked the team’s 2025 first-round draft pick.
The latest: Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the league and the Aces on Monday, with Hammons’ alleged actions at the heart of the suit, including claims that the Hall of Fame coach questioned Hamby’s devotion to the team, asked her if she had planned the pregnancy and did not deny that Hamby was traded Because her pregnancy.
- In addition, the lawsuit alleges that the Aces motivated Hamby to decline free agency in June 2022 by offering to pay her older daughter’s private school tuition. According to Hamby, that promise was reneged on after she announced her second pregnancy.
The answer: The WNBA has said it is reviewing Hamby’s complaint, while the Aces have yet to comment — although Hammon has denied any allegations of past misconduct. Meanwhile, Hamby is averaging career-highs with the Sparks and just won a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. 3×3 Olympic team. Of course, we’ll stay tuned for any developments.
