Dearica Hamby sues WNBA, Las Vegas Aces for workplace discrimination

The GIST: Three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has filed a federal lawsuit against the league and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, alleging unlawful workplace discrimination in relation to her second pregnancy.

The background: Hamby first signed with the Aces (then the San Antonio Stars) back in 2015 and was an integral member of the organization, contributing to their first championship in September 2022. Three months prior to that title run, Hamby signed a two-year extension to stick with the Aces.

• She later publicly announced her second pregnancy during the squad’s championship parade.

The turning point: Hamby was abruptly traded to the LA Sparks (her current team) in January 2023. She immediately voiced her displeasure, alleging she was “lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against,” prompting an investigation by the WNBPA.

• Hamby gave birth to her son, Legend, in April 2023 and went on to play all 40 Sparks games last season. Following the WNBPA’s investigation, the WNBA suspended Aces head coach Becky Hammon for two 2023 games and rescinded the team’s 2025 first-round draft pick.

The latest: Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the league and the Aces on Monday, with Hammon’s alleged actions at the center of the suit, including claims that the Hall of Fame coach questioned Hamby’s devotion to the team, asked her if she planned the pregnancy, and did not deny that Hamby was being traded because of her pregnancy.

• Additionally, the suit alleges that the Aces incentivized Hamby to decline free agency in June 2022 by offering to pay her elder daughter’s private school tuition. According to Hamby, that promise was not fulfilled after she announced her second pregnancy.

The response: The WNBA has stated it’s reviewing Hamby’s complaint, while the Aces have not yet commented — though Hammon denied all accusations of wrongdoing in the past. Meanwhile, Hamby is averaging career-high points for the Sparks and just won a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic 3x3 team. Needless to say, we’ll be staying tuned to this evolving story.