The WNBA has found itself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after briefly posting, and then deleting, a video featuring Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese making what appeared to be a friendly $400 wager ahead of their first game after the All-Star break.
The clip, recorded during All-Star Weekend practice, showed the Dallas Wings rookie and Atlanta Dream forward playfully agreeing on the bet before Wednesday night's matchup, which Atlanta narrowly won 82-81.
Although the exchange seemed light-hearted, it quickly sparked debate because betting of any kind is prohibited under the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The league removed the video from its official social media account soon after it was posted, prompting questions from fans about whether the incident could lead to further scrutiny. Neither Bueckers nor Reese has publicly addressed the situation, while the WNBA has yet to comment on why the video was taken down.
WNBA Deletes Video Showing Paige Bueckers And Angel Reese's $400 Bet Before Dallas Wings vs Atlanta Dream Clash
The WNBA quickly found itself under scrutiny after posting, and then deleting, a video featuring Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese appearing to make a friendly $400 wager on the outcome of Wednesday night's matchup between the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream. The clip, filmed during All-Star Weekend in Chicago, was originally shared on the league's official X account with the caption: 'Paige Bueckers on the bet she made with Angel Reese at All-Star Weekend on tonight's matchup.' Although Atlanta went on to edge Dallas 82-81, the video was removed soon after it was published.
The footage showed Reese holding several hundred-dollar bills while the two stars appeared to agree on the wager. In another segment, someone behind the camera reminded Bueckers about the bet before game day. 'At All-Star Weekend, you and Angel made a bet on this game, is that right?' the person asked. Bueckers responded with a smile, 'We did?' before the clip cut back to the original exchange. During the conversation, Bueckers joked, 'This is how the rich stay rich,' to which Reese replied, 'You gotta save this money. I will see you next week on Wednesday.'
While the interaction appeared to be light-hearted, it quickly attracted attention because the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement prohibits players from wagering on league games. Although the video was deleted, it had already been saved and widely reposted on social media, prompting fans to question how it was approved for publication in the first place. The incident has added an unexpected layer of controversy for the league at a time when professional sports organisations continue to closely monitor gambling-related issues involving athletes.
WNBA Gambling Rules Explained As Deleted Paige Bueckers-Angel Reese Video Sparks Debate
With sports betting becoming more widespread across the United States, professional leagues have strengthened their gambling regulations to protect the integrity of competition. Like the NBA, NFL and MLB, the WNBA allows commercial partnerships with betting companies but enforces strict rules that prohibit players, coaches and team personnel from wagering on league games. Under the WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, violations can carry significant consequences. As reports noted after the video surfaced, players found to have breached the rule could be 'subject to a fine, suspension, and/or dismissal and disqualification from any further association with the WNBA,' depending on the circumstances.
The controversy also shifted attention away from an entertaining contest between the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream. Atlanta escaped with an 82-81 victory after Allisha Gray hit the game-winning basket in the closing moments. Angel Reese starred with 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Paige Bueckers responded with 16 points, four rebounds and six assists in another composed performance. Despite the quality of the game, the deleted social media clip has dominated the conversation, with questions lingering over whether the WNBA will treat the incident as an innocent joke or review it under its gambling policies.