The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has clarified its stance on the USA 250 patch, stating that it did not ask the league to abandon the reported plan to place the patches on All-Star uniforms. The WNBPA said that members of player leadership contacted the league after a report emerged that the patches would appear on the uniforms during the All-Star Game in Chicago.

League’s Decision

The league later informed player leaders that it would instead commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary through ‘America 250’ signage in and around the arena and by honoring veterans during the game. The WNBPA stated that the league did not seek union input nor was the matter put before player leadership for action.

The statement undercuts claims that the union formally demanded that the patches be removed or held a vote opposing them. The WNBA did not respond to questions about the union’s statement, who made the final decision, or why the league chose not to use the patch.

Player Reaction

Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner, who serves as treasurer of the WNBPA, publicly criticized the reported plan, stating that 250 years ago, WNBA players would have been ‘breeders or in the fields working all day.’ Turner later softened her comments, saying she was thankful for what the country had provided her but believed America had not yet achieved ‘true equality for everybody.’

The WNBPA’s clarification comes after several reports and social media posts described WNBA players as ‘refusing’ to wear the patches. The union’s statement cuts against that framing, saying player leaders neither offered input nor took formal action on the issue.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.