What's Going On With The WNBA
Kelsey Plum. © ImagnDespite already establishing herself as a mainstay, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum may be on the move ahead of the 2026 WNBA trade deadline. Days before last weekendâs All-Star break, reports swirled that Plum has no intention of re-signing with the Sparks and will leave in free agency during the 2027 offseason. If that happened, Los Angeles would get nothing in return for her instead of trading her now.
The trade deadline is Sunday, meaning there is still time for Plum and coach Lynne Roberts to work towards a contract extension. Alternatively, Plum could also be traded before then. Nevertheless, the veteran addressed her trade rumors in a report by WNBA reporter Dave Yapkowitz on ClutchPoints on Thursday.
âThe thing about professional sports is like itâs business,â Plum said. âAt the end of the day, people have to do whatâs best for them. I respect that. And Iâm not taking anything personal. For me, Iâm gonna be where my feet are. I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, Iâm going to suit up, and Iâm going to give them whatever minute restriction, coming off the bench. Iâm actually really excited about it.â
Plum is on a one-year deal, valued at around $999,999. She has spent the last two years in Los Angeles, after spending six years with the Las Vegas Aces. Plum has played in just 12 games this year, as she has been unavailable in the last 15 Sparks games due to a leg injury. She is averaging 23.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34.5 minutes per game.
Kelsey Plum is gearing up for a return against the Portland Fire on the day of the WNBA trade deadlineIn another report by Dave Yapkowitz on X/Twitter, Kelsey Plum confirmed that she is preparing to return to action against coach Alex Saramaâs Portland Fire on Sunday, which is the day of the WNBA trade deadline. Only time can tell if Plum will be traded leading up to the game. But if she does play, Plum confirmed that sheâll be on a minutes restriction and might come off the bench.
The Sparks (10-17), who are 12th in the WNBA standings, are in the midst of a six-game losing streak, recently losing 113-109 to the New York Liberty right after the All-Star Break. Without Plum, Los Angeles has won only three of its last 15 games.
Read More:
Top 3 Kelsey Plum Landing Spots After WNBA Insiderâs Major Sparks Trade Deadline Update
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, menâs college basketball, womenâs college basketball, and college baseball!
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Cheryl Reeve points out 1 Lynxâs strength in dominant blowout over Tempo appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Lynx just keep on rolling. On Thursday, Cheryl Reeveâs squad took down another team and extended their winning streak to nine games, as they demolished the Toronto Tempo, 104-72, at Scotiabank Arena in Ontario.
There was surely a lot to like for Reeve about how his team played on both sides of the court. Following the game, she highlighted one of them, giving the teamâs defense its flowers.
âI would say tonightâs game stands out for me, more than too much before,â the 59-year-old Reeve said (h/t Andrew Dukowitz of Zone Coverage).
âProbably before it was, you know K-Mac give it for us every single night, McBrides going to be the one flying around guarding teams best players, deflecting, giving everything she has. I thought it was important tonight that we had others⊠I thought Courtney had some really terrific moments defensively. I know sheâs super proud of.â
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
Reeve has always put a premium on defense, and wouldnât hesitate to call out her team if she saw a drop in form.
The Lynx held the Tempo to 45 percent shooting from the field, but even more impressive was the fact that they limited the home team to only 62 shots from the floor to their 83. Minnesota forced 24 Tempo turnovers and turned those miscues into 31 points. Conversely, the Lynx committed just 10 turnovers and surrendered only 10 points off those blunders.
Five Lynx players had multiple steals in the contest, led by Maya Caldwell, who came off the bench and recorded four.
Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles each had 16 points for Minnesota, which improved to 24-6.
Up next for the Lynx is a showdown against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Related: Lynxâs Courtney Williams gets Napheesa Collier shoutout after defensive masterpiece vs. Tempo
Related: Lynxâs Olivia Miles ties rookie record to add to growing list of feats
Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesTop WNBA trade deadline move for each team appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the WNBA trade deadline fast approaching on August 2, front offices are making the final decision on whether to spend this season chasing a championship, securing a playoff berth, or building for the future. The leagueâs new financial landscape after this yearâs CBA deal and expanding talent pool have created more trade possibilities than in previous seasons, even though the hard salary cap continues to limit blockbuster deals.
While many contenders are searching for one final rotation piece, some could be looking to make a franchise-altering acquisition. Letâs take a look at which player each team could be looking to snag at the deadline.
NEWđđđ:
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
As the WNBA trade deadline quickly approaches, league sources told @ClutchPoints the Valkyries are actively exploring trade options on the market.
Story here:https://t.co/Sq0HXHCRZN
â Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) July 30, 2026
Atlantaâs biggest need is more scoring from its second unit. The Dream have enough talent to compete with the Wâs best, but another experienced wing such as Betnijah Laney-Hamilton would add perimeter defense, playoff experience and reliable offense without dramatically changing the starting lineup. The biggest risk with making the move is sacrificing future assets or taking on an expensive contract for a complementary player, but if it works, Atlanta could strengthen its chances of earning home-court advantage and making a deep playoff run.
Chicago SkyThe Sky should focus on adding a long-term veteran point guard who can organize the offense and mentor their young core. Chicago is still building for the future, so targeting an affordable young player, like Aziaha James, rather than a bonafide star makes the most sense. Giving up valuable draft capital before the roster is ready to contend is risky, but a steady floor general could help the Sky remain competitive while helping the development of their other young players.
Connecticut SunConnecticutâs priority should be maximizing long-term value, going for veterans or younger players who command strong returns. Zia Cooke has been putting up impactful bench minutes despite the Seattle Stormâs struggles this season and could continue to grow alongside the Sunâs developing core, making her one of the most intriguing names on the market. Theyâd be taking the chance of weakening the current roster too quickly, but acquiring a young guard that fits into the roster could speed up the franchiseâs rebuilding timeline.
Dallas WingsThe Wings already possess one of the WNBAâs strongest lineups, so their biggest need is an experienced player who can provide depth during the playoffs. Dallas should prioritize defense and outside shooting by targeting a center like Olivia Nelson-Ododa. The Wings may fear overpaying for a relatively small upgrade, but improving the bench could be the boost Dallas needs to lock in on its championship aspirations.
Golden State ValkyriesGolden State has enjoyed an impressive second season thanks to its league-best defense, but the offense could still use another consistent scorer. If the Sparks decide to move Kelsey Plum, she would be an ideal fit because of her ability to create offense in big moments and her familiarity with Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase from their time with the Las Vegas Aces. The Valkyries would be going out on a limb, giving up premium draft assets amid the uncertainty of re-signing Plum, but adding an elite guard could immediately transform Golden State into a legitimate title frontrunner.
Indiana FeverIndianaâs offense is among the leagueâs most dangerous, but perimeter defense remains the teamâs biggest weakness. The Fever should target a more defensive-minded player, like Aneesah Morrow, who can guard opposing stars while allowing Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston to remain the focal points offensively. Thereâs a chance the move ends up disrupting the chemistry of one of the WNBAâs most explosive offenses, but itâs a chance the Fever should be willing to take. Even a modest defensive improvement could elevate Indiana into the top tier of championship favorites.
Las Vegas AcesThe Aces need additional offensive depth to complement Aâja Wilson and reduce her workload before the playoffs. A consistently efficient scorer whoâs also capable of making the elite-level plays the Aces are used to, like the Valkyriesâ Kaitlyn Chen, would strengthen an already dangerous rotation. The challenge is fitting a deal within the salary cap, but if Las Vegas succeeds, it would be better equipped to survive a long postseason against the Wâs most elite frontcourts.
Los Angeles SparksLA likely faces the most important decision of any franchise. Rumors indicate that Plum isnât expected to re-sign after the season either way, so making a trade seems increasingly logical for the Sparks. Trading one of the leagueâs premier scorers will obviously disappoint fans, but holding onto her could result in losing a franchise asset for nothing. Since a successful trade would likely be the dagger in the Sparksâ playoff hopes for this season anyway, they have nothing to lose by getting Skylar Diggins out of her failed situation in Chicago. The deal would significantly improve their outlook for 2027.
Minnesota LynxMinnesota does not need a blockbuster move because it already has one of the WNBAâs most balanced rosters. But if they did want to make a surprising trade deadline move, the Lynx should pursue another reliable scorer for the second unit who can keep the offense productive whenever the starters rest. he Portland Fireâs Emily Engstler fits this need perfectly. The Lynx risk disturbing the chemistry of a championship-caliber team, but an upgraded bench with Engstler could end up being the decisive factor in close playoff games.
New York LibertyAfter dealing with injuries throughout the season, the Libertyâs biggest need is more defensive effort on the wing and in the frontcourt. The Commissionerâs Cup champs sit at the bottom of the W in turnovers forced and steals per game this season. New York has reportedly continued to evaluate the market despite salary-cap limitations, and the Sunâs Saniya Rivers seems to be a great skill fit that could also be cap-friendly. Notably, the Liberty would be taking a risk by going for a player that just came back from an ankle injury when theyâve been battling injuries all campaign long. But one dependable defensive-minded guard could significantly improve their chances of clinching another WNBA title.
Phoenix MercuryThe Mercury have tons of offensive firepower, but another physical post player would improve rim protection and second-chance opportunities. If the Sparks are willing to be sellers at this yearâs trade deadline, Dearica Hamby is a worthwhile and versatile forward to splurge on. Hambyâs ability to defend, rebound, and add another scoring option would fit in with Phoenixâs roster beyond just this campaign, plus improved interior play could make the team a much tougher matchup for the rest of the season.
Portland FireAs an expansion team, Portland should resist the temptation to sacrifice future assets for an immediate playoff push. Instead, the Fire would benefit most from acquiring a player who can fit in with their playing style immediately and will likely re-sign with them for at least the next year. Jacy Sheldon can slot in as a consistent yet explosive depth scorer, and she would mesh well with Portlandâs current lineup. The Fire would set themselves up with a solid core for the foreseeable future.
Seattle StormSeattleâs biggest need is another shot creator who can consistently produce offense late in games. The Storm remain competitive because of their defense, but adding a scoring guard would create better balance throughout the rotation. Thatâs where the Sparksâ TaâNiya Latson comes in. The rookie was the NCAAâs leading scorer just two years ago but hasnât gotten a chance to shine in LA. A rebuilding Storm squad thatâs anchored by other young stars could be just the environment Latson needs to break out. Her addition could help Seattle finish the season better than it started and be set up for success in 2027.
Toronto TempoToronto has apparently been aggressively searching for a long-term frontcourt player, and Ezi Magbegor would be a great fit since her rebounding and interior scoring would address the Tempoâs greatest weaknesses. Landing a cornerstone defender would accelerate Torontoâs climb toward playoff contention over the next several seasons.
Washington MysticsWashington enters the deadline sitting right between rebuilding and contending, making its direction the most difficult to predict. If the Mystics believe they can compete for a playoff spot, they should acquire another solid scorer. Otherwise, they should focus on getting future assets. So why not go for a big who lands somewhere in the middle with Cameron Brink? Choosing the wrong path and remaining stuck in the middle of the league is possible, especially with concerns around her injury history, but a player like Brink could strengthen this yearâs playoff push and improve the franchiseâs long-term foundation.
The 2026 WNBA trade deadline appears more intriguing than most in previous years. While salary-cap rules still limit the kind of blockbuster activity usually seen in the NBA, several contenders are searching for complementary assets to elevate them ahead of the postseason.
The biggest storyline remains the Sparksâ decision on Plum and their other valuable pieces, while teams such as Golden State, Atlanta, Indiana, and Washington are positioned to benefit most from targeted additions rather than sweeping roster changes. If even a handful of these moves play out, the balance of power entering the playoffs could shift significantly, making the final weeks of the 2026 WNBA season among the most competitive the league has ever seen.
Related: Insider pours cold water on blockbuster WNBA trade deadline hopes
Related: WNBA breaks silence on deleted Paige Bueckers-Angel Reese betting post
Where to watch Fire vs. Fever today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Caitlin Clark WNBA game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Fever will continue their packed travel week with a stop in Portland to take on the Fire this Friday.
Indiana started off its West Coast stint with a solid win over Seattle on Tuesday, 105-95. With star Caitlin Clark leading the pack once again, the Fever soared to their fourth straight victory. Clark totaled 32 points and Kelsey Mitchell 28, but Aliyah Boston was pulled from the game after taking a hard fall in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, the Fire have lost their last two matchups at home against the Aces and Wings. Despite an early lead and late rally against Dallas, Portland was unable to overcome the combined power of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Arike Ogunbowale. Can the Fire recover with a win at home?
These two squads last met on May 30, with the Fire dominating 100-84. Who will come out on top this time?
Here's everything you need to know about Fire vs. Fever today, including TV channel and streaming options for the WNBA matchup.
Where to watch Fire vs. Fever today: TV channel, live streamTV channel: IONLive stream:fubo, DIRECTVFire vs. Fever will be broadcast nationally on ION. Fans and cord-cutters can also stream the action live on fubo or DIRECTV.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time is Fire vs. Fever today?Date: Friday, July 31Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PTThe Fire and Fever will go head-to-head on Friday, July 31 at 10 p.m. ET. The matchup will take place at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
Portland Fire schedule 2026Here's a look at the Fire's next five matchups.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| July 31 | vs. Fever | 10 p.m. |
| Aug. 2 | vs. Sparks | 3:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 6 | vs. Tempo | 10 p.m. |
| Aug. 8 | vs. Storm | 8:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 13 | vs. Lynx | 10 p.m. |
Here's a look at the Fever's next five matchups.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| July 31 | at Fire | 10 p.m. |
| Aug. 2 | at Lynx | 1 p.m. |
| Aug. 6 | vs. Aces | 7 p.m. |
| Aug. 8 | at Sky | 3:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 11 | vs. Liberty | 7:30 p.m. |
'Special Treatment' -- WNBA World Erupts As Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers Escape Punishment for Dream-Wings Betting ControversyThe WNBA has reportedly decided not to discipline Angel Reese or Paige Bueckers after the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings stars were seen openly discussing a $400 wager on the outcome of their teamsâ Wednesday matchup.
While the league quickly deleted its own social media post featuring the exchange and acknowledged it âmissed the mark,â the decision to let both players off without punishment sparked a heated debate across the WNBA world.
WNBA World Reacts to Angel Reese-Paige Bueckers Betting Controversy Going UnpunishedThe controversy traces back to WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. During a practice session before the All-Star Game, Team Coop head coach Becky Hammon held a shooting competition that rewarded winners with $100 bills. Reese walked away with $400 in cash.
In a video Reese later posted, she was seen turning to Bueckers with an offer to put that money on the line when their teams played each other after the break.
The clip resurfaced this week when the WNBAâs official X account posted a follow-up video ahead of Wednesdayâs Dream-Wings clash, asking Bueckers to recall the bet. She seemed to blank at first, asking, âWe did? At night?â before catching on and doubling down: âBet, Iâm standing on that.â
The league captioned the post with a laughing emoji, seemingly unaware of the problem it created. It didnât take long for the video to be taken down.
Betting of any kind, even a friendly one between teammates or rivals, is strictly prohibited under the WNBAâs collective bargaining agreement, which was signed this year. Article 14, Section 5(c), spells it out:
âAny 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.â
The league addressed the fallout in a statement, saying its post âmissed the markâ and that it had been removed and handled internally.
âWNBA players are well aware of the leagueâs policies prohibiting betting on WNBA games and receive training every year reinforcing those policies,â the statement read, adding that the situation would be used as a reminder that jokes about wagering âcan have negative consequences.â
Despite that language, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday that neither Reese nor Bueckers will face any discipline.
Atlanta beat Dallas 82-81, with Reese posting 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Bueckers finished with 16 points and 6 assists in the loss.
Afterward, a smiling Reese leaned into the moment during her postgame press conference, joking that sheâd be ârequesting my Apple Payâ from Bueckers before adding that holding her to 16 points was no easy feat.
The lighthearted response didnât sit well with everyone once word got out that no punishment was coming.
âAngel Reese and Paige Bueckers can do no wrong in Cathy Engelbertâs eyes. But [what if] that had been Caitlin Clark & Sophie Cunningham? Theyâd probably be banned for life,â WNBA pundit Jaime Lardis posted.
âAngel Reese doubled down on betting. It was not a joke. WNBA special treatment for Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers,â one X user added.
âSadly, with zero consequences for the protected species of Angel Reese & Paige Bueckers, the @WNBA and @CathyEngelbert proved the govt needs to get involved to right the ship. It was a great opportunity for Cathy to prove she could run the league. She failed miserably,â The CDS Sports Podcast noted.
âPete Rose, the all-time MLB hits leader with 4,256, was banned for life for betting on his own team to win baseball games as a manager. Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers shouldnât be banned from the WNBA for life for a wager on their game, but there should have been some form of suspension. The NFL suspended Calvin Ridley an entire season for betting on games,â X user Andy Froemel highlighted.
âIf Sophie Cunningham recorded herself betting on games and then bragged about collecting the winnings⊠the WNBA would suspend her in a heartbeat. Angel Reese got a pass. And we all know why,â White House correspondent Alec Lace wrote.
For now, the WNBA appears to be treating the episode as a communications misstep rather than a rules violation worthy of punishment, even as the online reaction shows that plenty of fans see it differently.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
The WNBA trade deadline is swiftly approaching â but if youâve been following the league for a while, youâve probably learned not to expect fireworks.
In the NBA, the midseason cutoff is a date fans circle on their calendars in preparation for a flurry of moves that could shape the postseason.
Meanwhile, itâs hard to remember a recent WNBA trade that took place near the deadline and moved the needle.
Addressing reporters following a practice, Dallas Wings general manager Curt Miller spoke about that reality.
âThe deadline's right around the corner now. (Thereâs) lots of dialogue between GMs constantly around the league,â he said Monday. âIt's much more difficult to trade than people realize.â
But what factors make it so hard for teams to retool their rosters at the buzzer, and could this year be different?
Hereâs everything you need to know:
The 2026 WNBA trade deadline is Sunday, Aug. 2, at 3 p.m. ET. Once that time passes, teams will be unable to make trades for the rest of the season.
How does the salary cap impact potential trades?The leagueâs hard salary cap is the most obvious factor complicating trades during this time of year.
The NBA uses a soft salary cap with plenty of exceptions and wrinkles. There are traded player exceptions and allowances for teams to exceed the cap by certain amounts, which creates a wealth of possibilities for teams to agree on terms. The WNBA doesnât have any of that.
Teams are bound by a $7 million salary cap this season that they canât exceed unless theyâre granted a hardship exception. Thereâs a bit of wiggle room with pregnancy and childbirth exceptions, which donât count toward the cap for trade purposes.
A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY that a soft salary cap was discussed during negotiations for the leagueâs new collective bargaining agreement but ultimately didnât make it into the document.
âWhen you have a hard salary cap that has zero flexibility, trades are tough,â the person said. âYou canât go over it even by one dollar. The league wonât approve it.â
This is why we often see trades that feature an exchange of two equal salaries. Thereâs no rule that requires this, but it ensures that both teams remain cap compliant.
In the offseason, teams are working with more cap space, which allows for the bigger trades like the Chicago Sky sending Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream this offseason, or the three-team deal in 2024 that moved Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks and brought former Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces.
Both aforementioned transactions included draft picks, but not to the extent that many blockbuster NBA trades do. When the Miami Heat traded with the Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo last month, they gave up three first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and a second-round pick. Those picks will be due as far out as 2033, which isnât possible in the WNBA, where teams canât trade picks that far in the future. Teams were required to own at least one first-round pick in the next three drafts as of last season, and thereâs nothing in the new CBA to indicate that has changed.
How can scheduling impact moves at the deadline?In addition to the salary cap, Miller cited regular-season scheduling as he outlined the nuances that front offices are forced to navigate during this point of the year.
âWe play six games in the first 12 days out of the All-Star break. So practice is very very limited,â Miller said. âSo you're always thinking as a GM - like all the GMs around the league - how do you incorporate new pieces? Especially in a very hard cadence around the league in August? There's long-term vision, there's short-term vision. But that's what's fun about being a GM, all these conversations that go on leading up to the trade deadline.â
When the Aces acquired NaLyssa Smith from the Wings in exchange for a first-round pick last June, they had enough time to acclimate her for their championship turnaround, but that move didnât take place at the deadline.
What happened at the WNBA trade deadline last season?Last season was unique due to the fee agent status of most of the league in anticipation for the new CBA. There was some speculation regarding how the wealth of free agents would impact movement at the deadline, and while it was busier than some in the past deadlines, there was no last-minute race in the final minutes. In the week before the deadline, the Lynx acquired guard DiJonai Carrington from the Wings in exchange for forward Diamond Miller, guard Karlie Samuelson and a 2027 second-round draft pick. The Washington Mystics traded All-Star guard Brittney Sykes to the Storm in exchange for Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke and a 2026 first-round pick. The Mystics also traded Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun for Jacy Sheldon and the rights to a potential 2026 first-round pick swap.
Could this year be different?We already seem poised for a less active trade deadline than last season, but anything is possible.
Initial reports that described Sparks guard Kelsey Plum as certain to be moved have recently been amended to reflect that her teamâs asking price might be too high. Trade talks surrounding Sun forward Aneesah Morrow and the New York Liberty have also reportedly cooled down.
One factor that could be promising for movement is the leagueâs expansion. Where 16 of the 30 NBA teams make the playoffs, thereâs a more obvious distinction between postseason contenders and teams that should be acting as sellers in preparation for their futures. Although the WNBAâs recent expansion to 15 teams still means that over half of the league will earn a playoff berth, itâs possible that the larger numbers will create more possibilities before the deadline.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Why aren't there more moves? 2026 WNBA trade deadline explained
The WNBA came under fire after its official social media account posted a video where All-Stars Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers made a $400 bet. As soon as the video went online, it sparked negative reactions from fans and internet users who pointed out the obvious: players cannot bet on their own games.
Following the backlash, the league immediately took down the video, which only further fueled online criticism. On Thursday, the league issued an official statement to address the incident.
"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 WNBA spokesperson said.Â
"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,"Â they added.
The WNBA posted a video of Paige and Angel making a bet on an upcoming gameThe original video, where the two appear to have made a bet with Reese supposedly holding the $400 cash involved in their wager, was taken during last week's WNBA All-Star weekend in Chicago. That video was reposted in a social media post where a reporter asked Paige about the bet before the July 29 game between the Atlanta Dream and the Dallas Wings, which they agreed to bet on.
"At All-Star weekend, you and Angel made a bet with each other on this game; is that bet still on?"Â Paige was asked.Â
"We did?" she replied. "At night?"Â
"No, at practice,"Â the reporter said.
"Oh, at practice," Bueckers sounded relieved it wasn't at night. "Bet, I'm standing on it."
LMAOO THEY DELETED https://t.co/1VnX0tUEh2pic.twitter.com/ZNQAvHLJZD
— correlation (@nosyone4) July 29, 2026Players wagering on their own games is a no-no in any sport. The same applies for the WNBA, and that rule is clearly stipulated in the recently agreed-upon collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players, with Section 5(c) of the new WNBA CBA clearly stating:
"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."
Angel thinks it's funnyBut while the WNBA took it seriously by taking down the post and then issuing an official statement, Reese wasn't too concerned about the backlash and even found time to joke â or not â about it during the matchup's post-game press conference.Â
"Yeah, I'll be requesting my Apple Pay after this," Reese joked after the game. Later, she doubled down, posting "DUBS IN THE MF CHAT" on 'X' with the hashtag "cuatrocientos", which is Spanish for four hundred.
DUBS IN THE MF CHATđ€Ș #cuatrocientos
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 30, 2026On Thursday, it was announced that the WNBA reprimanded Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for cursing at two young girls. Keaton was suspended for five home games and levied an undisclosed fine. Meanwhile, reports say that the WNBA isn't looking to fine or suspend either Reese or Bueckers for their stunt. That's the "W" at its best, once again.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jul 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.