The 2024 WNBA Finals concluded with a stunning Game 5 clash between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, but the aftermath has been as explosive as the game itself. Following a highly contested final call that ultimately swung in favor of the Liberty, sparking their championship victory, both Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve and Liberty Coach Sandy Brondello voiced strong criticism of the officiating—a stance that would typically incur fines from the league. However, in an unusual decision, the WNBA has chosen not to penalize either coach for their remarks.
Coach Reeve’s criticism centered on what she described as a “phantom foul,” which she believes wrongly awarded New York free throws, impacting the game’s outcome and, by extension, the championship title. “It was stolen from us,” she stated bluntly, expressing frustration with officiating that she argued decided the game in a way that was neither fair nor justified. The play in question saw Liberty star Breanna Stewart go up for a critical shot, allegedly committing a travel and being awarded an undeserved foul, according to Reeve, who argued that Lynx defenders maintained clean defensive positioning.
Similarly, Coach Brondello raised concerns in Game 4 about the lack of foul calls in her team’s favor, asserting that her players experienced uncalled contact. Brondello remarked, “All we want is fair,” highlighting a disparity in free throws that she found troubling. Notably, Game 5 saw the Liberty attempt 25 free throws, while the Lynx attempted only eight—an unusual gap in a game of this magnitude.
The WNBA’s decision to forgo fines, which was confirmed by sources to ESPN, has stirred further conversation. Given that coaches were frequently fined for less pointed comments throughout the season, the league’s restraint in this high-profile instance raises questions. Some speculate whether the league’s choice reflects a broader acknowledgment of issues within WNBA officiating, particularly as the sport grows and garners more attention.
Articles from outlets like Athlon Sports and Clutch Points suggest that, with heightened viewership and growing media interest, the WNBA is finding itself under the microscope. The spotlight on officiating quality has intensified, and some, like Reeve, believe reform is overdue, suggesting a potential need for external review processes or additional training for officials to ensure fair, consistent gameplay. Others in the community are left wondering whether sports betting or external pressures have affected game integrity, fueling further speculation about the need for internal review.
As fans and players alike push for more transparency, the league’s response will be closely watched. The WNBA’s bold decision to withhold fines could mark the beginning of more significant changes in officiating practices or oversight. Whether reforms follow, the discussion surrounding officiating quality and fairness is only growing louder.
