WNBA Exploring Options to Commemorate America's 250th Anniversary After Player Criticism

Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner posted statements on X on June 4 objecting to potential USA 250 commemorative patches on WNBA jerseys. Turner, who is also treasurer of the WNBA Players Association, wrote that no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago and that the majority of the league's players would not have had their freedom 100 years ago.

Turner added that the league should have thought through what adding the patches to jerseys means.

In a follow-up post she wrote, "We are some of the most elite female athletes. 250 years ago we would have been breeders or in the fields working all day. " A WNBA spokesperson told Newsweek in an email on Saturday that the league is exploring how best to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary and that nothing has been finalized.

The WNBA was not among the leagues listed as participants when the White House and Fanatics announced a partnership in January to mark the anniversary with uniform patches. Women did not gain the constitutional right to vote nationwide until 1920. U.S. Was not abolished until 1865.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 later banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. NBA players have already worn the USA 250 patches during the Finals.

Sportico reported that WNBA players would wear the patches during July's All-Star Game festivities. " Gaines added, "I don't bear responsibility for the actions of people who lived 160 years ago. " The America 250 initiative is promoted by President Donald Trump.

An Ultimate Fighting Championship card hosted by Trump at the White House is scheduled for Flag Day, June 14, which coincides with Trump's 80th birthday. U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument.