The Las Vegas Aces and Dearica Hamby have come to a mutual agreement to dismiss her lawsuit against the WNBA team, according to a federal court document filed on Thursday. Hamby, currently with the Los Angeles Sparks, had sued the Aces and the league, alleging abuse during her pregnancy. However, a federal judge dismissed her suit in May, stating she failed to provide sufficient evidence that the league inadequately investigated the Aces.
In August 2024, Hamby filed another lawsuit against the Aces, accusing them of discrimination and retaliation, which she claimed led to her trade to the Sparks in January 2023. Both the league and the teams requested to dismiss this case in September 2024. On Thursday, Hamby and the Aces jointly filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for Nevada to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be reopened, with legal fees to be shared by both sides.
Hamby declined to comment on the lawsuit’s conclusion but reaffirmed her original claims. The Aces have not commented. Previously, coach Becky Hammon stated that Hamby was traded to make room for potential future signings like Hall of Famer Candace Parker and denied any personnel complaints, noting Hamby hadn’t filed formal grievances with the players’ association or the league. Hammon also indicated that trade discussions only began after Atlanta expressed interest in January 2023.
Hamby is a three-time All-Star who posted career-high averages of 18.4 points and 7.9 rebounds in the previous season and was twice named the Aces’ Player of the Year. Meanwhile, the Aces are poised to secure their third WNBA Championship in four years.
Fan Take: This resolution highlights the ongoing challenges female athletes face regarding workplace treatment, bringing critical attention to WNBA players’ rights and welfare. For fans, it’s a reminder that the league must continue to evolve in protecting its stars while maintaining competitive integrity.
