Sparks' Dearica Hamby files federal lawsuit against Aces for discrimination over pregnancy

Hamby previously filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in September 2023

By Jack Maloney Aug 12, 2024 at 4:38 pm ET• 2 min read

Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday alleging intimidation, discrimination and harrassment over her pregnancy. Hamby previously filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Sept. 2023. 

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

In January 2023, Hamby was traded from the Aces to the Sparks. Shortly thereafter, she released an emotional statement on Instagram accusing the Aces of "traumatizing" her. 

The WNBA later conducted its own investigation into the situation and suspended Aces coach Becky Hammon for the first two games of the 2023 season for violating the league's respect in the workplace policies. Furthermore, the Aces had their first-round pick in 2025 stripped for breaking rules on impermissible benefits in connection with Hamby's contract.