A prominent WNBA figure has called on the league to consider the historical status of women in America at the nation’s founding. This should happen before endorsing a commemorative jersey patch.
Aces forward Brianna Turner, the players association treasurer, opposed the proposal for WNBA All-Stars to wear the “USA 250” patch. Other professional leagues have adopted this patch. Furthermore, they use it to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
“Whoever called for the WNBA all star uniforms to have the USA 250 patch should have thought that through considering no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago,” Turner wrote on “X.” The majority wouldn’t even have their freedom 100 years ago.”
Women in the United States did not gain the right to vote until 1920. Slavery was abolished in 1865. However, discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, and disability was not officially outlawed until the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Controversy Details
The WNBA planned for its All-Stars to wear the patches during the July 24-26 festivities in Chicago. Because of criticism, the league may now be reconsidering this decision. Alternatively, the initial report may have been premature.
The WNBA and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) were not included among the sports leagues that agreed to wear the patch. This was revealed during the joint announcement by the White House and Fanatics in January.
According to sociologists Earl Smith and Angie Hattery, who study racial and gender inequality, approximately 64 percent of WNBA players in 2025 are Black.
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Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
