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The WNBA has confirmed that Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese will not face disciplinary action after a social media post featuring the two players discussing a mock wager drew widespread attention online.
The incident began on Wednesday when the league's official account on X shared a video showing Bueckers and Reese joking about placing a $400 bet on their matchup between the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream. The clip quickly went viral, prompting criticism because WNBA players are prohibited from betting on league games.
The league removed the video a few hours after it was posted and released a statement on Thursday explaining the decision.
According to ESPN's Alexa Philippou, the WNBA said the clip was intended to capture a lighthearted moment between two competitors. However, league officials acknowledged that sharing the conversation was inappropriate given the league's strict gambling policies.
"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 league said in its statement.
The WNBA added that it quickly recognized the post was inappropriate, deleted it, and addressed the matter internally. League officials also said the incident would serve as an opportunity to remind the players involved that even joking conversations about wagering on WNBA games can create the wrong impression and carry unintended consequences.
Despite the controversy, the league determined that no further action was necessary. Shortly after releasing its statement, the WNBA confirmed that neither Bueckers nor Reese would receive a fine or suspension.
"There will be no punishment for Reese or Bueckers," Philippou reported, citing a league source.
The deleted video appeared to show someone asking Bueckers about a supposed $400 wager she and Reese had discussed during the WNBA All-Star break ahead of the July 29 meeting between the Dream and Wings. The clip then shifted to Reese holding what appeared to be $400 while explaining the bet to Bueckers. The video ended before either player agreed to any wager, leaving the exchange appearing more like playful banter than a serious agreement.
Atlanta went on to edge Dallas 82-81 on Wednesday night. After the game, Reese continued the joke during her postgame media session, saying she would send her Apple Pay details to Bueckers. With the league having addressed the matter internally, all parties now appear ready to move on from the incident.
