The WNBA has acknowledged that a now-deleted social media video featuring Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese discussing a friendly wager before Wednesday night’s game was inappropriate, saying the post “missed the mark.”
In a statement, a league spokesperson addressed the video’s removal:
“While the social media post was intended to be lighthearted, it was inconsistent with WNBA policies. We recognized that the post missed the mark, removed it shortly after it was published, and addressed the matter internally.”
The video showed Bueckers and Reese joking about a $400 bet over the outcome of their matchup. Although the exchange appeared playful, it quickly drew criticism because WNBA rules prohibit players, coaches, team personnel, and league employees from betting on WNBA games or encouraging gambling-related activity involving league contests.
The league deleted the post soon after it was published and has indicated the matter has been handled internally. There is no indication that either player actually placed a wager or violated league gambling rules.
The incident comes as professional sports leagues continue to place a heightened emphasis on gambling integrity amid the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting across the United States. The WNBA, like other major professional leagues, maintains strict policies designed to protect the integrity of its games and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
While the league characterized the video as an attempt at lighthearted social media content, its swift removal underscores the sensitivity surrounding gambling-related messaging in today’s sports landscape.
WNBA Gambling Policy: What the Rules Say
Why was the video controversial?
The WNBA maintains strict gambling policies to protect the integrity of its games. While the deleted social media video appeared to depict a playful wager between Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, even joking references to betting on league games can create the appearance of impropriety.
Key points of the WNBA’s gambling policy include:
- Players, coaches, team personnel, league employees, and officials are prohibited from betting on WNBA games.
- League personnel may not encourage or facilitate gambling on WNBA contests.
- Sharing non-public (“inside”) information that could be used for sports betting is prohibited.
- Violations of the league’s gambling policy may result in disciplinary action, including fines, suspensions, or other penalties.
What happened here?
The WNBA said the social media post was intended to be “lighthearted,” but determined it was inconsistent with league policies. The video was removed shortly after it was published, and the league said the matter was addressed internally.
Important: The WNBA has not accused Paige Bueckers or Angel Reese of violating its gambling policy or of placing an actual wager. The league’s statement focused on the social media post itself, not on player misconduct.
