BREAKING: Brittney Griner and Angel Reese Threaten Permanent Exit from WNBA if Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark Aren’t Banned Following Explosive On-Court Fight League CEO Responds
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball, WNBA superstars Brittney Griner and Angel Reese have issued a stunning ultimatum: they will permanently leave the WNBA if Indiana Fever stars Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark are not banned from the league following a heated fight during a high-tension game against the Connecticut Sun.
The altercation, which unfolded during the third quarter of the Fever-Sun matchup, turned an already physical game into a spectacle of chaos. Emotions boiled over after a hard foul on Caitlin Clark led to Cunningham stepping in, which quickly escalated into shoving, shouting, and eventually an all-out bench-clearing scuffle. Video clips of the incident flooded social media within minutes, garnering millions of views and sparking a fierce debate over accountability, sportsmanship, and favoritism in the WNBA.
According to eyewitness accounts and leaked footage, Clark and Cunningham were seen aggressively engaging with opposing players, including Griner, who had been sitting courtside and appeared to enter the fray to defend teammates from the Connecticut Sun. Angel Reese, who was also in the vicinity, attempted to de-escalate the situation but quickly became involved as tensions spiraled out of control.
Hours after the dust settled, Griner and Reese jointly released a shocking statement on Instagram, reading:
“This league has no room for violence that puts players at risk. If Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark are not banned for their reckless behavior, we will not be returning. Period.”
The statement ignited a firestorm of reactions online. Fans of Clark and Cunningham rushed to their defense, accusing Griner and Reese of overreacting or trying to silence two of the league’s most popular players. Others supported the demand, citing a pattern of what they perceive as protected status for certain players particularly Caitlin Clark, whose meteoric rise in popularity has put her at the center of both admiration and controversy.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) erupted with trending hashtags like #BanClarkAndCunningham and #ProtectTheGame, while sports analysts debated whether Griner and Reese were making a principled stand—or issuing an emotional threat that could backfire.
As the storm intensified, WNBA CEO Cathy Engelbert stepped forward with an
official response. In a press conference held just hours after the ultimatum,
Engelbert said:
“We have thoroughly reviewed the incident from all angles, including game footage and statements from officials and players involved. While emotions ran high, we do not believe the actions of Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark warrant a ban from the WNBA. Disciplinary actions, including fines and possible short suspensions, are being considered-but no permanent bans will be issued.”
Engelbert went on to emphasize that the league is committed to player safety and professionalism, but also noted that confrontations are sometimes part of high-level competitive sports. “This is not the first time tempers have flared on the court, and it likely won’t be the last. Our job is to ensure fair and balanced responses, not to cave to public pressure.”
Her decision has only added fuel to the fire. Within minutes of the announcement, Griner and Reese unfollowed the official WNBA account on social media and removed all league-related content from their profiles-actions widely interpreted as a signal of their seriousness in walking away from the league for good.
Whether the stars will follow through on their threat remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the WNBA now faces a potentially explosive rift between some of its biggest names. Fans are holding their breath, players are choosing sides, and the league is standing at a crossroads unlike anything it has faced in recent years.
