WNBPA leaders confirmed ahead of Saturday's 2026 WNBA All-Star Game that players would not wear the America250 campaign's USA 250 patches in Chicago. The decision came after the union raised concerns with league leadership.
"No, they're not on the jerseys," New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart said Friday at the Obama Presidential Center.
Why WNBA Players Pushed Back Against the USA 250 Patch
The move followed a June report that the league planned to feature the patches at the United Center showdown. In response, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said the union engaged leadership directly. She stressed that players represent diverse communities and deserve a say.
Meanwhile, WNBPA vice president Stewart said she's focused on controlling what she can and standing firm in her beliefs. However, Las Vegas Aces forward and union treasurer Brianna Turner took it a step further. She pointed out that no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago.
The patches are tied to the nonpartisan America250 organization — not the Trump administration's Freedom 250 initiative — which has subsequently faced its own criticism. Other leagues, including the NBA and NFL, wore similar patches this year.
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve called the situation a "difficult balancing act" for a league that has never shied away from social justice issues.
