The ongoing drama between Dearica Hamby, the Las Vegas Aces, and coach Becky Hammon has become one of the most talked-about stories in the WNBA, stirring up emotions on and off the court. The controversy began with Hamby’s shocking trade to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023, and it’s only escalated since then, with accusations, a federal lawsuit, and a lot of heated words.
But what really happened? Let's break it down, starting with what Becky Hammon, a WNBA legend herself and now the head coach of the Aces, had to say about the whole situation. Hammon has been crystal clear about one thing: she denies that the Aces mistreated Hamby or traded her because she was pregnant. In a postgame news conference after the Aces’ 87-71 victory over the Sparks, Hammon addressed the lawsuit directly, and she didn’t hold back.
“Here are some facts,” Hammon declared. “I’ve been in either the WNBA or the NBA for 25 years now. I’ve never had an HR complaint. Not once. And I still didn’t, actually, because Dearica didn’t file any. She didn’t file with the players’ union, she didn’t file with the WNBA. Those are facts.”
Key Points:
- Hammon emphasized that no one made a call about trading Hamby until Atlanta reached out in January 2023.
- Hammon denied allegations of bullying, stating she communicated with Hamby daily and allowed her to choose whether or not to practice.
The situation took a legal turn when Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the WNBA and the Aces, claiming that she faced “repeated acts of intimidation, discrimination, and retaliation” from the Aces because of her pregnancy. Hamby’s allegations are serious and paint a picture of an organization that was anything but supportive during her pregnancy. She claims that after informing the team about her pregnancy in mid-July 2022, the Aces’ attitude toward her changed dramatically. According to Hamby, the team rescinded the use of team-provided housing and refused to cover her daughter’s private school tuition, benefits that were initially part of her contract extension in June 2022.
Hamby’s lawsuit also accuses Hammon of questioning her commitment to the team, asking if the pregnancy was planned, and expressing dissatisfaction with the timing of her pregnancy. Hammon, however, has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that her relationship with Hamby was strong and supportive throughout.
Exciting Twist:
The plot thickened in January 2023 when Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. The timing of the trade and Hamby’s subsequent social media posts raised eyebrows, leading to an investigation by the WNBA. The league’s investigation was extensive, involving interviews with 33 people and a thorough review of texts, emails, and other documents. The result? Hammon received a two-game suspension for violating the league’s “respect in the workplace” policies, and the Aces lost their first-round draft pick in 2025 due to another violation involving impermissible player benefits to Hamby.
However, Hamby was far from satisfied with the WNBA’s response. She took her complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in September, seeking further action. The EEOC granted her a “Notice of Right to Sue” in May 2023, giving her the green light to file her lawsuit, which she did just last Monday.
Key Developments:
- The WNBA’s investigation led to Hammon’s suspension and the Aces losing a draft pick.
- Hamby pursued further legal action by filing a complaint with the EEOC and eventually filing a lawsuit.
Amid all the legal back-and-forth, Hammon has remained steadfast in her defense, insisting that the trade was purely a business decision. “It wasn’t a problem, and it never was why we made the decision,” Hammon said in May 2023. She explained that the decision to trade Hamby was based on the Aces’ desire to bring in three players for the cost of Hamby’s contract. One of those players was none other than Candace Parker, a WNBA superstar and a key addition to the Aces’ roster.
Hammon’s rationale for the trade boils down to simple math. “It came down to math in business. That’s all it was. Nothing personal,” she said. “I had a great relationship with Hamby the whole time. Which is why she probably felt the way she did. You know, it feels like a betrayal. But like I said, it’s a crappy part of my job, but somebody’s got to be the bearer of bad news.”
Despite the controversy, Hamby has continued to thrive on the court. She gave birth to her son, Legend, in April 2023, and went on to play all 40 games of the season with the Sparks, although the team didn’t make the playoffs. Now in her second season in Los Angeles, Hamby has continued to shine, earning a spot as a WNBA All-Star in July and contributing to the United States’ 3x3 women’s basketball bronze-medal team at the Paris Olympics.
On the Court:
- Hamby has remained a force on the court, playing all 40 games last season with the Sparks.
- She was a WNBA All-Star in July and part of the U.S. 3x3 basketball team that won bronze at the Paris Olympics.
But let’s not forget the personal toll this entire situation has taken on both sides. For Hamby, the lawsuit is about more than just the legalities; it’s about standing up for herself and challenging what she perceives as an injustice. For Hammon and the Aces, it’s about defending their actions and maintaining their reputation in a league that’s increasingly scrutinized for how it handles issues of player welfare and workplace conduct.
As the lawsuit progresses, the WNBA and the Aces will undoubtedly face more questions and possibly more fallout. A spokesperson for the WNBA told ESPN that the league is reviewing Hamby’s complaint, while an Aces spokesperson reiterated the team’s stance from May 2023, stating, “As an organization, we continue to stand behind our statement on May 16, 2023, made at the conclusion of the WNBA’s investigation into this matter. Given that this is ongoing litigation, the Aces will have no further comment at this time.”
Looking Ahead:
- The lawsuit is ongoing, and both the WNBA and the Aces are under the spotlight.
- The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how the league handles similar situations in the future.
In the end, this is a story that goes beyond basketball. It’s about the intersection of sports, business, and personal lives, and how decisions in one area can ripple across all three. Whether you side with Hamby or Hammon, there’s no denying that this case has brought to light some critical issues about player treatment, workplace policies, and the complexities of balancing career and family in professional sports.
And while the legal battle continues, one thing is clear: both Hamby and Hammon are determined to fight for what they believe is right, making this a saga that’s far from over. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just following the drama, this is one story that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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