WNBA Posts — Then Deletes — Video of Star Players Placing a Bet on Upcoming Game Against Each Other

Rich Graessle/AP

The WNBA’s official X/Twitter account deleted a video promoting two of its star players placing a side bet on their game against each other.

Last weekend, the WNBA’s biggest stars gathered in Chicago for the league’s All-Star Weekend. During a practice session in the days leading up to the All-Star game, head coach Becky Hammon held a competition that awarded winners with $100 bills. Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese ended up with $400.

In a video posted by Reese, she was seen talking with Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers. During that talk, Reese offered to put that money on the line when their respective teams played one another after the All-Star break.

On Wednesday, the Dream defeated the Wings 82-81.  Before the game, the WNBA posted a video in which a social media admin asked about the bet. A surprised Bueckers asked, “We did?” in reference to the two of them making the wager. After she was reminded of the exchange at practice, Bueckers said, “I’m standing on that,” as she walked away.

Shortly after that video was posted, someone within the league must have realized they were literally promoting two players betting on a game. The tweet was then deleted.

Unsurprisingly, social media erupted in response to the WNBA’s unforced blunder. Many argued that, according to the league’s own rules, the players should be suspended.

—

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!