Dearica Hamby Files Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Against Las Vegas Aces and WNBA
The block is hot, former Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby has filed a federal lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces and the WNBA, alleging discrimination and hostile work conditions related to her pregnancy. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, claims that Hamby was subjected to retaliatory actions after informing the team of her second pregnancy. The Aces allegedly pressured Hamby to vacate her team-provided housing and refused to answer her inquiries about her daughter's school tuition—benefits that were part of her contract.
The legal battle began after Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023, a move she claims was influenced by her pregnancy. Hamby had previously signed a two-year contract extension with the Aces, but just three weeks after the signing, she discovered she was pregnant. The lawsuit details how Hamby informed the Aces of her pregnancy in August 2023 and publicly announced it in September. Shortly after, Hamby alleges she faced pressure and discriminatory behavior from the team's management, particularly from General Manager Natalie Williams and Head Coach Becky Hammon.
According to the lawsuit, Hammon questioned Hamby's commitment to the team after learning about her pregnancy, making comments that implied Hamby had deliberately concealed her pregnancy to secure a contract extension. Hammon allegedly accused Hamby of not taking her off-season workouts seriously and suggested that her pregnancy made her a "question mark" for the team's future. Hamby also claims that the Aces instructed other players to stop communicating with her and attempted to wrongfully obtain her medical records.
The lawsuit criticizes the WNBA's response to the situation, describing it as inadequate and claiming that the league failed to impose sufficient consequences on the Aces for their actions. The WNBA had previously suspended Coach Hammon for two games and penalized the Aces by revoking their 2025 first-round draft pick, but Hamby's lawsuit argues that these measures did not go far enough to address the discrimination she faced.
Now keep in mind, Hamby is a two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, three-time WNBA All-Star, and an Olympic bronze medalist. She is also a mother of two, and here’s where things get interesting. The lawsuit indicates that Becky Hammon questioned her commitment to the team after Hamby announced her pregnancy. Hammon then allegedly informed Hamby that she could go to Los Angeles, Indiana, Atlanta, or Connecticut. However, she was ultimately traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. The lawsuit indicates:
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On March 6, 2023, Plaintiff gave birth to her son, Legend.
On or about April 28, 2023, Plaintiff timely reported to training camp for the Los Angeles Sparks and began preseason play. Plaintiff did not miss any required time with the Los Angeles Sparks as a result of her pregnancy.
Plaintiff went on to play in all 40 regular season games for the Los Angeles Sparks, not missing a single game in the season.
On May 16, 2023, the Defendant WNBA publicly announced it concluded its investigation of the Defendant Las Vegas Aces, and Hamby issued the following statement:
“With that being said… I am heartbroken. Being traded is a part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not. I have had my character and work ethic attacked. I was promised things to entice me to sign my contract extension that were not followed through on. I was accused of signing my extension knowingly pregnant. This is false. I was told that I was “a question mark” and that it was said that I said I would “get pregnant again” and there was a concern for my level of commitment to the team. I was told that I “didn’t hold up my end of the bargain” (Because “no one expected me to get pregnant in the next two years”). Did the team expect me to promise not to get pregnant in exchange for the contract extension? I was asked if I planned my pregnancy. When I responded, “no,” I was then told that I “was not taking precautions to not get pregnant.” I was being traded because “I wouldn’t be ready and we need bodies”. I planned to play this season, and I have expressed my desire to play this season. I have pushed myself throughout my entire pregnancy and have continued to work out (basketball included) on my own and with team staff – even on days where it was uncomfortable to walk, only to be inaccurately told that “I was not taking my workouts seriously.” And “yeah we just don’t see that” (with my return). I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet, my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect, and disregard from members of management. I have put this organization first since day one before any of them were here. “You’re getting moved regardless and it’s best for your career that you move on from this team.” The unprofessional and unethical way that I have been treated has been traumatizing. To be treated this way by an organization, BY WOMEN who are mothers, who have preached family, chemistry, and women’s empowerment is disappointing and leaves me sick to my stomach. We fought for provisions that would finally support and protect player parents. This cannot now be used against me.”
This case has broader implications for the treatment of pregnant athletes in professional sports, as it raises questions about the protection of women athletes' rights and the adequacy of league policies regarding pregnancy and family planning. and unfortunately, this is not the first time we have heard about similar situations, as Skyler Diggins of Seattle Storm was in a predicament with the Phoenix Mercury and was allegedly locked out of the facility during her pregnancy, then traded. Hamby’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing the policies of not only the WNBA but also other professional sports leagues.
The reason we're hearing about Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit now, even though the events took place in 2023, is because the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) only recently gave Hamby a right-to-sue letter in May 2024. This letter is what allowed her to officially move forward with her lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces and the WNBA. Hamby had initially filed a discrimination claim with the EEOC in the fall of 2023, following her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks. The EEOC's decision in May 2024 to grant her the right to sue has brought the situation back into the spotlight.
It’s hard to hear these things, and I’m sure more details will emerge as this lawsuit proceeds. This situation is leaving many fans with serious questions about Becky Hammon’s role and the behavior of some players on the Aces. There’s a growing concern among supporters, hoping that their favorite athletes are not implicated as opposing figures in this lawsuit.
