The WNBA has not finalized any plans for a USA 250th anniversary patch on its All-Star Game jerseys. To commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday, numerous professional sports leagues have featured the patch on game uniforms—most recently in the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, and currently in the NBA Finals with the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner blasted the idea on social media, stating: “Whoever called for the WNBA all star uniforms to have the USA 250 patch should have thought that through considering no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago. The majority wouldn’t even have their freedom 100 years ago.”
After initial reports indicated the league would include the patch, WNBA officials confirmed: “Like other major sports leagues, we are exploring how best to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary. Nothing has been finalized at this time.”
Turner further emphasized historical context by noting that approximately 64% of WNBA players identify as Black, adding: “250 years ago we would have been breeders or in the fields working all day.”
The USA 250 patch proposal was first announced in January by Fanatics through an agreement with President Trump and America250—the organization established by Congress to lead the country’s 250th birthday celebrations. The announcement listed MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC, and WWE as participating leagues but notably excluded the WNBA.
The league has faced ongoing criticism from players throughout Trump’s political career, including recent instances where New York Liberty athletes wore Kamala Harris shirts in support of her presidential campaign and two-time MVP Breanna Stewart held a sign reading “Abolish ICE” prior to a January game following the Alex Pretti incident.
