The WNBA is taking a first step towards addressing concerns about the league’s officiating.
It will launch centralized replay centre operations starting in the 2027 season, the WNBA announced on Saturday.
The change will mark “a significant advancement in the league’s continued investment in officiating, competitive integrity and the overall game experience,” the league said in a statement.
The new location will be at the NBA’s replay centre in Secaucus, N.J., and will be used for all reviewable situations in WNBA games.
“As the WNBA continues its extraordinary growth, we’re committed to investing in every aspect of the game, including the technology and resources that support players, teams and officials,” head of WNBA league operations Bethany Donaphin said. “Leveraging the NBA’s state-of-the-art replay centre is an important step in the continued evolution of our game. It allows us to enhance the efficiency and consistency of replay reviews while embracing innovations that strengthen the competition and deliver the best possible experience for our stakeholders.”
Criticism has often been levied at WNBA officials this season, including Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark saying that referees should be paid “like full-time employees” to improve their calls. Fever coach Stephanie White was also vocal last month about a non-call on Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.
“It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it,” White said. “You’re coming in here aware of what happened two nights ago and that (expletive) still happens? Absolutely unacceptable.”