Federal Judge Dismisses Dearica Hamby’s Lawsuit Against the WNBA, But Case Against the Aces Continues
A federal judge issued a ruling last week dismissing the lawsuit by Dearica Hamby, a player for the Los Angeles Sparks, against the WNBA. However, the litigation against the Las Vegas Aces for alleged mistreatment due to her pregnancy could proceed.
Hamby filed the lawsuit in August, alleging that the Aces discriminated against her and retaliated against her, resulting in her trade to the Sparks in January 2023. The league and the club filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit in September.
U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon wrote in her ruling that Hamby failed to prove her claims that the WNBA failed to adequately investigate her claims against the Aces and did not renew her league marketing contract. She dismissed those claims with prejudice.
Andrew P. Gordon, District Judge
There were no immediate comments from the league.
The judge determined that Hamby proved enough to proceed with her discrimination claim against the Aces and partially with her retaliation claims.
Hamby, an All-Star in three of the last four seasons, averaged career highs of 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds last season. She was a two-time WNBA Sixth Player of the Year for the Aces.
The Aces remain under investigation by the WNBA regarding a two-year sponsorship deal offered by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, in which each player receives $25,000 per month and up to $100,000 per season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said at last month’s draft that it is a time-consuming process and is being handled by an outside law firm.
I think there are a lot of document requests and things like that, so it takes time. There’s nothing to report at this time.
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
