In a statement to OutKick and Fox News Digital, the WNBPA said members of player leadership contacted the league after Sportico reported that the patches would appear on the uniforms during Saturday’s All-Star Game in Chicago.WNBA COMMISSIONER VOWS TO CRACK DOWN ON 'RACISM, MISOGYNY,' DODGES BIG QUESTIONS AT ALL-STAR PRESS CONFERENCEAccording to the union, the WNBA said at the time that no final decision had been made.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.Breanna Stewart plays during the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, where USA 250 patches did not appear on player uniforms after league and union discussions.
(NBAE via Getty Images)"The league did not seek union input nor was the matter put before player leadership for action," the WNBPA told OutKick/Fox News Digital.The statement undercuts the claim that the union formally demanded that the patches be removed, or held a vote opposing them.It doesn’t explain why the WNBA decided against putting the patch on the uniforms after Sportico reported that the league planned to do so, or whether the public objection from WNBPA treasurer Brianna Turner influenced that decision.The WNBA did not respond to questions from OutKick and Fox News Digital about the union’s statement, who made the final decision or why the league chose not to use the patch.The patches are part of a national initiative that has included the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR, UFC and WWE.
Every player wore one during the Super Bowl, while NBA players wore them throughout the Finals.During the 2026 NBA Finals, players wore the USA 250 patch on their jerseys.(NBAE via Getty Images)The WNBA was not listed in the initial Fanatics and America250 announcement, but Sportico later reported that the league planned to use the patches during All-Star Weekend.Then the proposal reached the WNBA.L...