WNBA facing major backlash over deleted Angel Reese post

Angel Reese has been one of the most polarizing players in the WNBA since her arrival in 2024. Many praise her for her rebounding prowess, but some have been vocal about her lack of shooting efficiency.

The star forward entered the league as the No. 7 overall pick and quickly established herself as a rising star. She made waves with the Chicago Sky and earned two All-Star nods.

They traded her to the Atlanta Dream on April 6 for two future first-round picks. She continues to dominate the glass with her new team and was once again named an All-Star this year.

Reese is averaging a career-high 15.4 points, along with 11.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals. She is a big reason Atlanta is 17-10 this season and in a good spot to qualify for the playoffs.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) warms up before a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky.

Fans blast the WNBA for deleted Angel Reese video

A video showing Reese and Paige Bueckers agreeing to a $400 bet continues to make its rounds on social media. The WNBA originally posted it, with the All-Stars setting the wager on who will win Wednesday’s game between Atlanta and the Dallas Wings.

However, the league deleted it on X as it potentially violates the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement’s gambling section under Article XIV, Section 5.

The WNBA deleted a post endorsing players betting on games pic.twitter.com/2pNTgJYMnF

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) July 29, 2026

The league received backlash from fans in the comments section.

“Reason #556,779 of why the WNBA will never be taken seriously, publicly posting video of players betting on games should force a federal investigation. If this was the MLB or NFL they would be automatically banned for life,” one fan said.

“The WNBA looking the other way on player bets until the backlash hits. This is hypocrisy that undermines their own rules,” a comment read.

“This needs to be fully investigated. Players just openly breaking Rules/Laws, and the fricking League even posted it. This is how far gone this league is,” one user wrote.

“So thats a fine or suspension. But nothing wil happen, all jokes. How dumb is this league. Players getting threats from sports bettors. Tonedeaf league,” posted another.

“Deleting a post doesn’t fix the conflict of interest. When is it acceptable for players to bet on their own league?” another fan commented.

“the least surprising thing about the wnba I mean national betting association is in the name,” one reaction read.

The section states that WNBA players are prohibited from wagering money or anything of value on the outcome, score or aspect of any WNBA competition. Anyone found guilty would be subjected to a fine, suspension, and/or dismissal and disqualification from further association with the WNBA.

Reese and Atlanta won on Wednesday 82-81. The forward recorded a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Allisha Gray supplied 25 points. Bueckers, on the other hand, registered 16 points, four rebounds and six assists.