WNBA's New 'Pregnancy Clause' Breaks Ground for Player Rights

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The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement includes a groundbreaking clause that requires teams to obtain a player's consent before trading her if she's pregnant. This move highlights the league's unique culture and commitment to addressing issues like work-life balance and reproductive rights that are often overlooked in male-dominated sports.

Why it matters

The 'pregnancy clause' is a direct response to past incidents like the Dearica Hamby case, where a player was traded while pregnant. It sends a clear message that the WNBA will not tolerate using pregnancy as a reason to sideline or penalize athletes. This clause reflects the league's willingness to tackle complex social issues and sets a precedent that could influence other sports leagues.

The details

The new clause in the WNBA's CBA states that teams must now obtain a player's consent before trading her if she's pregnant. This is a significant shift, as pregnancy is virtually non-existent among active players in leagues like the NBA or NFL. The WNBA has openly embraced the realities of its athletes' lives, with players like Dearica Hamby bringing these issues to the forefront. Hamby's case, which led to an investigation and penalties for the Las Vegas Aces, underscores why this clause was necessary.

• The WNBA's latest CBA was announced in April 2026.
• In 2023, Dearica Hamby was traded by the Las Vegas Aces while pregnant.

What’s next

As more female athletes push for family planning and career longevity, other sports leagues will likely need to follow the WNBA's lead and implement similar clauses to protect pregnant players.