WNBA yanks Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese betting post after fans blast league hypocrisy online

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert continues to face intense scrutiny for her leadership missteps, especially surrounding Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. But despite mounting criticism, some in the media are rushing to shield her.

Leave it to the WNBA to turn a friendly $400 wager it promoted into a gambling controversy.

So when Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream sat together during All-Star Weekend and agreed to a friendly $400 wager on their upcoming matchup, nobody in the room batted an eye. It was harmless banter.

EX-FORDHAM BASKETBALL PLAYERS PERMANENTLY BANNED BY NCAA OVER ALLEGED GAME MANIPULATION BETTING SCHEME

Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky react during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star practice sessions at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 18, 2025. (Getty Images)

To two young stars whose endorsement deals dwarf their league salaries, $400 is probably couch-cushion change.

Then came the WNBA's social media team.

Naturally, the league's social media team couldn't resist. It clipped the exchange, posted it across the WNBA's official channels and quoted Bueckers explaining the $400 bet ahead of Wednesday night's Wings-Dream matchup.

There was just one glaring problem.

The social media team appeared to overlook Section 5(c) of the league's own Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Under Section 5(c), any player found guilty of wagering money or anything of value on the outcome, score, or aspect of a WNBA competition is subject to fines, suspensions, or outright disqualification.

In its rush to chase clicks, the league publicly showcased a wager that appeared to raise obvious questions under its own CBA.

ZERO BS. JUST