WNBA player safety meeting focuses on racist abuse and threats
The WNBA and players union met after players faced racist messages, abuse and threats, with security resources now under review.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The WNBA player safety meeting this week brought league leaders and the players union together after what they described as a recent rise in racist, hateful and abusive messages aimed at players.
In a joint statement released Wednesday, the WNBA and WNBPA said league leadership met with members of the union’s Executive Committee and its Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for what they called an “honest and meaningful conversation.”
The statement said the meeting covered the abuse directed at players and other issues before the committees. It also said the league committed to keep improving security resources and to work with the union on possible partnerships with groups that share league values.
What did the WNBA and players discuss?
The league and union said the conversation focused on addressing problems earlier, improving communication and strengthening the relationship between the WNBA and WNBPA.
ESPN reported that the meeting lasted 90 minutes and included discussion of seeking accountability from technology companies, along with creating more direct communication between the WNBA and law enforcement.
The WNBPA is the union that represents WNBA players in talks with the league on working conditions and other player issues. Its committees can raise concerns directly with league leadership, including on safety and discrimination.
Player safety has been a running issue during the season. CBS Sports reported that Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received death threats after an on-court incident involving Caitlin Clark.
More recently, Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray shared an Instagram message in which she was called a racial slur, according to CBS Sports.
The WNBA and WNBPA said Wednesday’s meeting was the start of an ongoing dialogue and that both sides would continue working together on the issue.
WNBPA secretary Elizabeth Williams told reporters that communication was the key point coming out of the meeting. “Communication from Cathy and the league side being a little more consistent, so we feel more comfortable,” Williams said, referring to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike told Front Office Sports that the union is trying to hear from as many players as possible. She also said many problems are being placed on players to solve even though they did not create them.
“This has never been a league that wants to propagate narratives centered around racism, sexism, homophobia, discrimination,” Ogwumike told Front Office Sports. She said the league stands for the opposite, but added that there are multiple issues to address and that players should not be left as the only ones responsible for fixing them.
The joint statement did not announce specific new policies, deadlines or disciplinary measures. It said the league and union would continue talks and examine collaborations tied to their shared priorities.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.