All-Star Dearica Hamby sues WNBA, Aces alleging discrimination, retaliation for being pregnant

Los Angeles Sparks All-Star Dearica Hamby sued WNBA and her former team in federal court Monday regarding her treatment from Las Vegas Aces while pregnant.

Hamby's lawsuit alleged Aces discriminated and retaliated against her, leading to her January 2023 trade to Sparks.

“We are aware of today’s legal filing and are reviewing complaint," a WNBA spokesperson said.

Aces did t immediately respond to requests for comment, but club and coach Becky Hammon previously refuted allegations. Hammon said in May 2023 that Hamby was traded for strategic reasons, namely putting club in position to sign likely future Hall of Famer Candace Parker .

“We made decision to move Hamby because we could get three bodies in her one contract, and we wanted to get three more people in," Hammon said at time. “I think it’s very evident (with) who we signed on why we made move.”

Hamby, a bronze-medal winner in 3X3 women's basketball in recently completed Olympic Games, twice previously made public claims against Aces.

WNBA investigated matter and in May 2023 suspended Hammon for two games without pay. club also was docked ir first-round 2025 draft pick for providing impermissible player benefits involving Hamby.

Hamby, however, insisted league didn't go far eugh. She filed a complaint with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September saying she was discriminated against and amended filing in October.

According to lawsuit, EEOC ruled in May she had a “right to sue.”

“ WNBA is, at its core, a workplace, and federal laws have long shielded pregnant women from discrimination on job," Hamby’s attorneys said in a statement. " world champion Aces exiled Dearica Hamby for becoming pregnant and WNBA responded with a light tap on wrist. Every potential mor in league is w on tice that childbirth could change ir career prospects overnight. That can’t be right in one of most prosperous and dynamic women’s professional sports leagues in America.”

Hamby played for organization from 2015-22, beginning when Aces were based in San Antonio as Stars. She was named league Sixth Player of Year in 2019 and 2020 and made All-Star team three of past four seasons.

This season, Hamby is averaging career highs 19.2 points and 10.0 rebounds.

Hamby's lawsuit is latest off-court issue for Aces.

y also are being investigated by WNBA regarding a two-year sponsorship deal offered by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in which each player receives $25,000 per month and up to $100,000 per season.