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Brianna Turner Explains Why WNBA All-Stars Left the USA 250 Patch Off Their Jerseys
WNBA players made a last-minute decision not to include USA 250th commemorative patches on their All-Star Game jerseys, drawing criticism from some fans and critics. WNBPA treasurer and Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner spoke about the decision.
Earlier this year, Fanatics and President Donald Trump partnered on a red, white, and blue 250th anniversary patch for all American sports teams to wear. The formal announcement featured the NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC, WWE, MLS, NHL, and NASCAR.
However, the original announcement released on January 30 of this year did not mention or include the WNBA. Yet, the WNBA, which is celebrating its 30th season, initially agreed in June to have its biggest stars wear the USA 250th patch during the All-Star Game, which took place on July 25.
Nonetheless, the league changed its mind after Aces forward and WNBPA treasurer Turner expressed her dissatisfaction with wearing the patch in June. She emphasized that the league consists of more than 70% Black women.
"The irony of all the USA 250 stuff is that the vast majority of people in America would not have been 'free' 250 years ago," Turner tweeted on June 4 . Turner's tweet highlights the broader issue of Black women being laid off or unemployed at a high rate in 2025 to 2026.
Since the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, there has been critcism on the league not featuring the patches during the contest.
Criticism Follows the All-Star Game Decision
During and after the All-Star Game, some critics stated that the WNBA disrespected America by 'refusing' to wear the USA 250th patch on their All-Star jerseys. Some comments referenced players' sexuality; they only tuned in for Caitlin Clark and called the league racist.
Some critics talked about boycotting the league but stated that no one watches, which isn't true, considering the league set a record attendance for a WNBA All-Star Game at 19,783 at the United Center in Chicago this past weekend.
According to USA Today's Callie Fin , no WNBA player refused to wear the USA 250th patch; they just decided not to include it on their jerseys. Also, the league was not included in the initial promotion for the patches that was released at the beginning of the year.
While some critics expressed frustration with the league not wearing the patches, this raises a bigger issue: how the WNBA is included when critics or non-fans see fit.
Republican Lawmakers' Letter to Cathy Engelbert
On July 8, a group of 11 Republican lawmakers, led by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger of Texas, sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding that the league protect Clark and that there be "accountability" for her multiple attacks. The representatives requested a response by July 24.
As of now, Engelbert has not provided a formal response. While there have been other hard fouls in the league's existence, this is the first documented letter drafted to protect a player.
The WNBA continues to grow, with the league set to expand to 18 teams by 2030. Yet some critics, fans, and analysts who question the league's popularity have voiced outrage over players' decisions not to include a commemorative patch despite the absence of an official invitation or broader context behind the decision.
The discussion also comes amid ongoing economic challenges facing Black women, including more than 600,000 who have experienced unemployment, while the WNBA's player base is made up of more than 70 percent Black Women.
WNBAUSAAllStar GameChicagoWNBPABrianna TurnerLas Vegas AcesEarlierFanaticsPresident Donald TrumpAmerican
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