Dearica Hamby files federal lawsuit against WNBA, Aces alleging unlawful workplace discrimination, retaliation

Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Nevada against the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces, citing workplace discrimination and retaliation.

According to the lawsuit, Hamby claims she experienced changes in how the Aces treated her after publicly announcing her second pregnancy in the fall of 2022. She alleges that the team traded her in January 2023 as a result of her pregnancy.

Hamby also accuses the WNBA of not adequately investigating Las Vegas after she first reported discrimination following her trade in January 2023. The investigation resulted in the WNBA rescinding the Aces’ 2025 first-round pick and suspending coach Becky Hammon for two games for violating workplace policies.

In the lawsuit, Hamby claims that Hammon told her during a phone call in January 2023 that she was a “question mark” and did not deny the suggestion that Hamby was being traded because of her pregnancy.

Las Vegas did not respond immediately to The Athletic’s request for comment. A spokesperson for the WNBA stated that they are aware of the legal filing and are currently reviewing the complaint.

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Hammon stated that the decision to trade Hamby was a “math and business” choice to bring in more players for her contract. Hamby was traded to the Sparks in January 2023 for the rights to Amanda Zahui B. and an exchange of 2024 draft picks.

Hamby had previously filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September 2023 and is seeking compensatory damages in the lawsuit filed on Monday.

The lawsuit alleges that the Aces offered Hamby a contract extension in late spring of 2022, including benefits like covering private school tuition costs for her first child. However, the Aces were vague about fulfilling this promise after Hamby revealed her second pregnancy.

Hamby also claims she was asked about her pregnancy by Hammon, who suggested she did not take proper precautions. The lawsuit further alleges that Hamby was told to vacate team-provided housing that fall.

The WNBA Players Association executive director emphasized that career opportunities should not be affected by parenthood, and any trade should not be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, or pregnancy.

In May 2023, the WNBA announced consequences for the Aces, following allegations of workplace misconduct. However, Hamby claimed in her lawsuit that the WNBA failed to thoroughly investigate her claims and did not interview all key witnesses.

The lawsuit accuses Las Vegas of mishandling confidential medical records, excluding Hamby from a championship celebration at the White House, and instructing players and staff to cease communication with her.

The Aces are currently under investigation for a partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The league has stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Hamby, now with the Los Angeles Sparks, recently earned her third All-Star appearance and won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 3×3 basketball.