The WNBA is facing criticism for posting a social media clip featuring Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers engaging in a lighthearted wager regarding their upcoming matchup. Critics argue that this action contradicts the league’s existing rules against player betting on games.
The official WNBA account on X shared a 31-second video featuring Reese and Bueckers discussing a $400 wager placed on their forthcoming game. The playful exchange was reportedly filmed during the recent WNBA All-Star Weekend, where both players were part of Team Coop.
As competitors once again, Reese and Bueckers faced each other last night (July 29) in a game between the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings, with Reese’s Dream emerging victorious at 82-81.
Players Breach CBA Guidelines
The now-deleted video on X showed Reese and Bueckers discussing their $400 wager on the match held on July 29.
“This is how the rich stay rich,” Bueckers comments in the video recorded on Reese’s phone.
“I’ll see you on Wednesday,” Reese replies confidently. “I know you’re going to lose.”
Bueckers appears to be confused about the terms of their wager, mistakenly assuming that Angel is the only one putting up the $400.
“If we lose, do you get to keep it?” Bueckers asks. “No, you owe me $400,” Reese clarifies.
According to the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, players are prohibited from wagering on WNBA games.
Section 5: Gambling of the CBA states, “Any player found guilty of wagering (either directly or indirectly), or attempting to wager money or anything of value on any aspect of a WNBA Competition shall be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or potential dismissal from the league.”
Diving into the details of Wednesday’s nail-biter, Reese scored 22 points, recorded 12 rebounds, provided four assists, and made one block. Meanwhile, Bueckers added 16 points along with six assists, four rebounds, and one block.
The Dream entered the game as 1.5-point favorites, with the total points line set at 181.5—undershooting at just 163 points.
Post-game, Reese confidently addressed the wager with Bueckers.
“Yes, I’ll be requesting my Apple Pay,” Reese told the media following the game.
WNBA’s Expanding Reach
The emergence of players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Sophie Cunningham has played a significant role in the WNBA’s remarkable growth in popularity over recent seasons. This increased visibility has led sportsbooks to report that the league has transitioned from a niche market to a mainstream sports betting phenomenon, capturing substantial betting volume.
Experts estimate that WNBA games attracted approximately $1.5 billion in legal bets in 2025, compared to the NBA’s impressive $42 billion.