WNBA Player Questions USA 250 Patch on Jerseys
Brianna Turner, treasurer of the WNBA player association and forward for the Las Vegas Aces, is raising concerns about a proposed patch for the league’s All-Stars. The patch, titled “USA 250,” is meant to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of America.
Turner expressed her apprehensions on X, saying that whoever suggested the patch should have considered the historical context. “There were no free WNBA players 250 years ago,” she noted, adding that even a century ago, the notion of freedom was vastly different.
Women only gained the right to vote in the U.S. in 1920. Before that, slavery was abolished in 1865, yet systemic discrimination based on various factors persisted well into the 20th century, officially banned only by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to a report, the WNBA had plans for All-Star players to wear the patch during a festival in Chicago from July 24-26. However, in light of Turner’s remarks and public reaction, it seems the league may be reconsidering or that the announcement was premature.
The WNBA released a statement saying, “Like other major sports leagues, we are exploring the best way to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Nothing has been finalized at this time,” which leaves the situation a bit ambiguous.
It’s worth noting that when the White House and Fanatics made their initial announcement in January about the patch, the WNBA and NWSL were not included among the leagues endorsing it.
Sociologists studying racial and gender inequality predict that the WNBA will be approximately 64% black by 2025. With this in mind, Turner reflected on the implications of the patch, indicating it might be a financial decision but emphasizing the point that women athletes have come a long way. “250 years ago we would have been zookeepers or worked all day in the fields. Be serious,” she added, punctuating her disbelief with an eyebrow raise and a laughing emoji.
Meanwhile, other leagues like the NBA and NFL have already adopted similar patches for their championship games, including teams like the Knicks, Spurs, Seahawks, and Patriots.
