WNBA facing backlash over Angel Reese decision

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream faced the Portland Fire on Friday. The visitors won convincingly 101-83, but the game included a heated moment with 8:45 left in the fourth quarter. The star forward received her eighth technical foul of the season and the WNBA has since decided if it will stand or not.

Reese finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, continuing her strong form of late. The reigning Player of the Week shot 5-of-14 from the field and added two steals. Rhyne Howard led the way for Atlanta with 26 points and six rebounds, while three other starters scored in double digits.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a foul in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces.

Fans criticize the WNBA for decision on Angel Reese’s 8th technical

Reese was set to be suspended for Sunday’s game versus the Minnesota Lynx. However, the league reviewed the play and rescinded the technical, allowing the three-time All-Star to suit and avoid an automatic suspension.

“News: The technical foul that Angel Reese received tonight has been rescinded, the league confirmed to ESPN. She is back at seven technical fouls on the season. An eighth would lead to an automatic one-game suspension,” ESPN’s Alexa Philippou wrote on X.

News: The technical foul that Angel Reese received tonight has been rescinded, the league confirmed to ESPN. She is back at seven technical fouls on the season. An eighth would lead to an automatic one-game suspension.

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 29, 2026

Fans reacted to the WNBA’s decision in the comments section.

“Lame. The league just wants the ratings,” a fan wrote.

“The protected species strikes again. Joke of a league,” one comment read.

“Why even give techs if you don’t have the guts to enforce them,” a user said.

“Crazy. Hope Lynx get them on Sunday!” posted another.

“She clearly pushed an opponent in an aggressive fashion away from the ball. Such preferential treatment. Caitlin says, “look at the scoreboard” and that doesn’t get rescinded,” another fan commented.

“So she can push a player and get it taken away but when CC claps or says scoreboard, they stand,” one reaction read.

Reese and Fire guard Carla Leite entangled their arms while positioning themselves for a rebound. The LSU product appeared to push off, prompting the referees to issue her a technical. Reese, her teammates and Dream head coach Karl Smesko argued the call, but the referees upheld it during the game. Gateway Center Arena will serve as the venue for the Atlanta-Minnesota game 3 p.m. ET.