• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 30, 2026

WNBA Players Call Off Aug. 27 Games for ‘Day of Reflection’

  • After sitting out Aug. 26 games, WNBA players are using Aug. 27 as a “day of reflection.”
  • The move is the latest in the WNBA’s long history of player-led social justice efforts.
WNBA Players Call Off Aug. 27 Games for ‘Day of Reflection’
NBA Photos/Getty Images

After calling off their Aug. 26 games in protest of police brutality — specifically the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23 — and coming together for a on-court demonstration, WNBA players have announced they will not be playing any games on Aug. 27.

In an announcement given by WNBA Players’ Association President Nneka Ogwumike on ESPN, the players said they are instead having a “day of reflection,” but emphasized it is not a strike or boycott. The players also said they do plan to continue the season.

During the announcement, players linked arms and wore shirts that read “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.”

It represents the latest move in the league’s long history of player-led social justice efforts, which included the formation of a dedicated social justice council this season. Among other actions was the creation of a line of T-shirts reading “Say Her Name,” in reference to Taylor, that all players wore during opening weekend. 

“Through ongoing discussions last night in person and discussions through the morning via extensive text messages, we recommitted to the justice movement, the platform for our advocacy and recommitted to the ‘Say Her Name’ campaign,” the players’ statement said. “We are doubling down on our previous calls to action to contact your local officials and demand reform, register to vote and show up on election day, complete the 2020 census and be counted.”

Shortly after the players’ announcement, the league released a statement that said the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings-New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces-Seattle Storm games are being postponed. 

On Aug. 26, after the Milwaukee Bucks did not take the court for their playoff matchup with the Orlando Magic — and the NBA went on to postpone all scheduled games for the day — Washington Mystics players arrived at their scheduled game wearing shirts that spelled out “Jacob Blake,” with seven gunshot wounds drawn on the back. 

The Mystics and Atlanta Dream then met on the court ahead of their scheduled game and spoke for almost an hour, and were later joined by the Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx players. All of them then linked arms and took a knee.

The Dream’s Elizabeth Williams later read a statement on behalf of all WNBA players live on ESPN announcing that they “stand in solidarity” with the NBA and “look to take collective action” with players across all leagues. The statement also stressed the importance of voting.

Later in the evening, the entire WNBA bubble came together for a candlelight vigil where players, coaches and commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke.

The WNBA is playing a shortened 22-game regular season, scheduled to end on Sept. 12 and be followed by its usual playoff model. Since the season began on July 25, there have been three games per day on most days.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey After Anti-LGBTQ Rants

Ivey was acquired by the Bulls last month before the trade deadline.
Sep 1, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) warms up before the start of the game against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.

WNBA Faces Political Heat Over Sun Relocation

“They virtually blocked any deal” to keep the team in Connecticut.

Kevin Pelton Leaving ESPN for WNBA Front Office

Pelton previously worked as an analyst for the Pacers.

Featured Today

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
March 18, 2026

AI College Recruiting Reels Aren’t Fooling Scouts

College coaches and recruiters are way ahead of cheating athletes.

Mayweather Contradicts Key Details Surrounding Pacquiao Fight Plans

Mayweather is also supposed to fight Mike Tyson in an exhibition.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC tees off during match against Los Angeles Golf Club during the TGL finals at SoFi Center on March 24, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
March 27, 2026

Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI After Another Rollover Car Crash

Woods was not seriously injured in the Friday afternoon accident.
March 30, 2026

Charleston Open Director: Equal Prize Money Made Business Sense

The gender pay parity comes years ahead of schedule.
Sponsored

Cameron Boozer & Cayden Boozer Talk Pressure, Benefit of Playing Together

The Boozer twins have built their games, and their identities, side by side.
exclusive
March 24, 2026

Star Marathoner Says Gel Company Dropped Her Over Pregnancy

Emma Bates says UCan let her go after she announced her pregnancy.
Mar 17, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) reacts after a score next to center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.
March 20, 2026

How Cade Cunningham’s Injury Could Cost Pistons Nearly $50M

He’s four games shy of hitting the 65-game threshold for NBA awards.
Feb 23, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets color commentator Dell Curry (left) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) before the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
March 19, 2026

Dell Curry Reveals He Almost Gave Up His Now-Iconic No. 30

Dell Curry will have his jersey retired in Charlotte on Thursday.
Mar 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
March 19, 2026

LeBron James Not Interested in Owning Las Vegas Team

James has previously expressed interest in owning an NBA franchise.