WNBA Faces Backlash Over Betting Video Featuring Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers
Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream remains unbothered by the public relations challenges the WNBA is enduring. Recently, the league faced criticism after sharing, then removing, a video featuring Reese and Dallas Wings player Paige Bueckers. The social media misstep brought attention to a sensitive issue in professional sports: gambling.
Controversial Video and Its Implications
The WNBA admitted that the video, which involved a $400 bet between Reese and Bueckers before their matchup in Arlington, ‘missed the mark’. Following the Atlanta Dream’s tight 82-81 victory, Reese dismissed concerns regarding the bet, stating, “Yeah, I’ll be requesting my Apple Pay after this,” during a postgame interview.
Team Collier was observed standing for the national anthem before playing against Team Clark at the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2025 on July 19, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. (NBAE via Getty Images)
Debate Over Acceptability and Fair Standards
The incident sparked debate over whether similar jokes would be acceptable in leagues like the NBA. Additionally, questions arose about whether players such as Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham would receive equal scrutiny under similar circumstances.
Critics questioned the authenticity of Reese’s admission, suspecting the bet only came to light because it was filmed. They also speculated on the potential league reaction had other players been involved instead.
WNBA’s Policy on Betting
According to Section 5(c) of the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are explicitly forbidden from placing any wagers, directly or indirectly, on league games. Violation of this policy gives the commissioner the power to enforce severe penalties, including fines, suspensions, or permanent banishment to maintain league integrity.
The controversial video raised immediate concerns about possible breaches of the league’s anti-gambling policy, prompting the WNBA to address the situation. The league clarified that the post was intended as a lighthearted exchange and confirmed no disciplinary action would be taken.
A statement from the WNBA stressed the annual training provided to players on policies prohibiting betting. “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,” the statement read.
OutKick reached out to the league for further comment on its internal decisions but has not yet received a response. In a game at College Park Center on July 29, 2026, Paige Bueckers briefly interacted with Angel Reese. (Getty Images)
The league acknowledged that the post missed its intended audience, was removed soon after its release, and has been managed internally. They plan to use the incident to remind players that discussions on wagering, even jokingly, can negatively impact perceptions.
Although removing the video mitigated an immediate public relations issue, it has raised questions about the consistency of the league’s standards and enforcement.