WNBA referees are clamping down on physicality. Is it helping or hurting players?
WNBA referees are increasing foul calls to address physicality in the league. This change follows player injuries and complaints about inconsistent officiating from the previous season. Coaches and the league are collaborating to improve communication and enforcement of rules.
- ▪Rickea Jackson of the Chicago Sky will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL sustained during a game.
- ▪The league has seen an increase in foul calls, averaging about 22 per game compared to 17.5 last season.
- ▪Coaches have reported improved communication with the league regarding officiating and rule enforcement.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — US |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/may/22/wnba-referees-physicality-foul-calls |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:56 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-22T11:17:01.334Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-22T11:17:01.334Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A’ja Wilson reacts to a decision by a WNBA official in a Las Vegas Aces game earlier this month. Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA’ja Wilson reacts to a decision by a WNBA official in a Las Vegas Aces game earlier this month. Photograph: Icon Sportswire/Getty ImagesWNBAWNBA referees are clamping down on physicality. Is it helping or hurting players?After outcry over inconsistency last year, a taskforce sought to improve the league’s officiating. Now foul calls are up, and players and coaches are adjustingStephanie KaloiFri 22 May 2026 07.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe moment Rickea Jackson went down during the Chicago Sky’s game against the Minnesota Lynx is difficult to watch, even days later.
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