Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has taken legal action against her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, and the WNBA for alleged discrimination and retaliation related to her pregnancy. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Nevada, claims that Aces coach Becky Hammon accused Hamby of signing a contract extension while knowing she was pregnant with her second child. Hamby was traded to the Sparks in January 2023 after spending eight seasons with the San Antonio/Las Vegas franchise, where she received accolades such as the Sixth Player of the Year Award and All-Star selections.
Hamby also accuses the WNBA of not properly investigating her complaint and not renewing her marketing contract after she raised concerns. The league stated that they are reviewing the complaint, while the Aces have not provided a comment on the matter. Hammon denied mistreating Hamby but was suspended for two games in the past for violating workplace policies over private comments regarding Hamby’s pregnancy.
In addition to the legal action, the lawsuit revealed that the Aces allegedly offered impermissible benefits to Hamby during contract negotiations, leading to the forfeiture of their 2025 first-round draft pick. The team also reportedly agreed to cover private school tuition for Hamby’s older child through a “donation” to the school. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Hamby continues to excel on the court, earning her third career All-Star selection this season with career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists.
Hamby’s case sheds light on the challenges faced by female athletes when it comes to pregnancy and workplace discrimination in professional sports. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment and equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their family status. It highlights the need for sports organizations to address and prevent discrimination based on pregnancy or family responsibilities, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all players. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of Hamby’s case could have significant implications for the future of women’s sports and the protection of athletes’ rights.
