National Reporter Pinpoints ‘Prohibited’ CBA Reality Around Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers Actions After WNBA’s No Punishment Decision

It may have started as a harmless joke between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. But when the clip of their playful $400 wager was shared by the WNBA on their official X account, it “missed the mark,” as many fans viewed it as the league promoting betting. The post was quickly deleted, and the league chose not to discipline either player. But the conversation surrounding this incident was far from over as national reporter Annie Costabile pointed to the CBA rulebook around their actions.

“There was a video posted on Wednesday that shared a light-hearted exchange between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers talking about their upcoming game out of the All-Star break between the Dallas Wings and the Atlanta Dream,” Costabile said on the July 31 episode of No Offseason. “And they were, again, light-heartedly discussing a wager between themselves about who was going to win that game, and the WNBA social media Twitter account shared it on their page and subsequently deleted it.

“There’s clear rules in the CBA that explain wagering is prohibited in varying language. And so the WNBA spokesperson later explained it was deleted because it missed the mark. And the WNBA ultimately determined that no punishment would be handed out to Paige or Angel in regard to the situation.”

Under Article XIV, Section 5(c) of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the league strictly prohibits players from wagering — either directly or indirectly — on any aspect of a game. The policy clearly states that anyone found guilty of doing so may, at the Commissioner’s discretion, face “a fine, suspension, and/or dismissal and disqualification from any further association with the WNBA.”

But as Costabile reported, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers “will not face any punishment,” bringing an end to any speculation over possible disciplinary action.

In its statement, the WNBA maintained that the social media post was “intended to be lighthearted” but admitted that it did not land the way they had intended. They also emphasized that they provide players with annual training on their gambling policies before confirming that they addressed the matter internally, rather than through any action.

As for the game itself, Angel Reese ultimately had the last laugh.

The Atlanta Dream edged Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings 82-81 after Reese finished with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Whether the $400 ever actually changed hands remains unknown, but the Dream star certainly didn’t shy away from the joke. Shortly after the game, she took to X and wrote, “DUBS IN THE MF CHAT #cuatrocientos.”

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