Two player committees met with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert this week to press for stronger protection from online harassment, a dispute that has become a central issue heading into the WNBA All-Star Game.
Players say the league has not done enough to address social-media abuse and divisive rhetoric, with recent incidents including death threats to Alyssa Thomas and a racial slur sent to Las Vegas guard Chelsea Gray.
The pressure comes as race, gender and sexuality debates again engulf the league, fueled by fallout from Thomas' June 24 contact with Caitlin Clark and comments by players about transgender athletes.
Toronto coach Sandy Brondello's 1-game suspension for calling Angel Reese a "protected species" underscored how the WNBA's rapid growth has magnified scrutiny of language, officiating and player treatment.
With viewership, investment and player pay rising, the league's breakout moment is increasingly colliding with broader U.S. cultural conflicts that players say are overshadowing basketball.