WNBA player Brianna Turner refuses to wear USA 250 patch because of slavery

WNBA forward Brianna Turner is slamming the planned league jersey patch marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, saying the idea doesn't consider that players would have been slaves or "breeders" 250 years ago.

Turner, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces and serves as treasurer of the WNBA Players Association, posted her comments on X after reports indicated that WNBA All-Stars would wear a “USA 250” commemorative patch during upcoming league festivities in Chicago. The league has not formally confirmed the decision and says discussions are ongoing: “Whoever called for the WNBA all star uniforms to have the USA 250 patch should have thought that through considering no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago,” Turner wrote on X. “The majority wouldn’t even have their freedom 100 years ago.”

"Yesss I know this was probably a financial decision at the end of the day but still,” followed by emojis. “We are some of the most elite female athletes 250 years ago we would have been breeders or in the fields working all day. Be so serious rn.”

The proposed patch is part of a set of sports branding moves tied to the country’s semi-quincentennial commemorations, with several major professional leagues expected to participate. The WNBA’s involvement has not been finalized, according to the league's officials.

“Like other major sports leagues, we are exploring how best to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary,” the WNBA said in a statement. “Nothing has been finalized at this time.”

Turner’s comments came as the league prepares for All-Star events scheduled for late July in Chicago. Reports had suggested the patch would be included on uniforms during that period.