Did WNBA Stars Violate the League's Anti-Gambling Regulations?
David Genge Published 03/08/2026
The WNBA has removed a video from its social media channels in which stars Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese propose a bet on a league game between their teams. However, the post was shared by several accounts before the video was deleted by the league. WNBA officials have indicated that no discipline would be forthcoming against either player.
However, fans were quick to point out that the post was in clear violation of the league's anti-gambling policy. That policy states that any player who places a wager or even attempts to place a wager on any WNBA game would be subject to a fine, suspension, and/or dismissal and disqualification from any further association with the WNBA.
The WNBA says the attempt at humor by the players missed the mark
WNBA officials are seeking to downplay the incident between the two players. Apparently, the league is seeking to pass the entire episode off as an ill-advised attempt at humor.
“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,” a league spokesperson told the Associated Press. “We recognized that the post missed the mark, removed it shortly after it was published, and addressed the matter internally.
“We will also use this as an opportunity to reemphasize with the players involved that conversations about wagering on WNBA games, even when intended as a joke, can have negative consequences.”
Reese and Bueckers suggested making a $400 bet on a game
The video was posted during last week's WNBA All-Star Game. In the clip, Atlanta Dream forward Reese and Dallas Wings guard Bueckers propose a friendly $400 wager on the next game between their teams.
Holding four $100 bills up in front of the camera, Reese tells Bueckers, “I’m gonna see you next week on Wednesday. “If y’all win, you get the $400.”
Bueckers countered, “And if we lose, then you get to keep it.” Reese replied to Bueckers, “No, you owe me $400.”
The caption on the video read, “We did?” with a laughing emoji. Following this was, “Paige Bueckers on the bet she made with Angel Reese at All-Star Weekend on tonight’s matchup.”
In the game, the Dream edged the Wings 82-81. Reese finished the night with 22 points and 12 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Bueckers finished with 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
After the win, Reese wasn't sounding like someone who saw the entire scenario as nothing more than a prank. Asked by a reporter post-game if she'd be seeking payment from Bueckers, Reese insisted that she would.
"Yeah, I'll be requesting my Apple Pay after this," Reese said.
There are strict anti-gambling regulations in place governing WNBA players
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement is very straightforward when it comes to any of its personnel becoming involved in any form of gambling. It states that any kind of wagering is strictly prohibited. Players can be fined, suspended, or even disqualified from the WNBA at the sole discretion of the commissioner.
In the WNBA rulebook, Article XIV, Player Conduct and Discipline, section 5(c) sums it up succinctly.
“Any player found by the Commissioner after a hearing to have been guilty of wagering (directly or indirectly), or of offering or attempting to wager, money or anything of value on the outcome, score, or any other aspect of any WNBA Competition shall, in the sole discretion of the Commissioner, be subject to a fine, suspension, and/or dismissal and disqualification from any further association with the WNBA,” it reads.
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