Dearica Hamby Sues WNBA and Las Vegas Aces Over Treatment While Pregnant

Dearica Hamby, a star player for the Los Angeles Sparks, has filed a lawsuit against the WNBA and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, alleging discrimination and retaliation during her pregnancy. The lawsuit claims that the Aces mistreated Hamby, ultimately leading to her trade to the Sparks in January 2023.

The WNBA and the Aces have both responded to the lawsuit, with the league stating that they are reviewing the complaint and the Aces not immediately providing a comment. However, Aces coach Becky Hammon previously denied the allegations, stating that Hamby was traded for strategic reasons to make room for signing Candace Parker.

This is not the first time Hamby has spoken out against the Aces, as she previously made claims that led to a suspension for Hammon and a draft pick penalty for the team. Despite these actions, Hamby felt that the league did not go far enough in addressing the discrimination she faced.

Hamby’s attorneys have emphasized the importance of protecting pregnant women from discrimination in the workplace, stating that the Aces’ treatment of Hamby sets a concerning precedent for other female athletes in the league.

As the lawsuit unfolds, Hamby continues to excel on the court, averaging career highs in points and rebounds this season. The lawsuit adds to the off-court issues facing the Aces, who are also under investigation for a sponsorship deal that offers significant financial benefits to players.