Top 11+ Little-Known Rules WNBA Players Have to Follow

Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games, Yep, They Get Fined for Techs, Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation, Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem, Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media, And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

If a WNBA player is interested in participating in an All-Star game or some type of tournament outside of the league and season, they have to obtain consent from the WNBA. An exception for this is if it's a tournament that involves the players' national team or an off-season playing obligation, per the WNBA.

Yep, They Get Fined for Techs

Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games, Yep, They Get Fined for Techs, Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation, Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem, Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media, And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

Technical fouls occur when a player demonstrates unsportsmanlike conduct during a game. This could look like an unnecessary push or shove, an intentional foul that may be deemed dangerous, or disrespectful to a ref. The fine will be deducted from the player's paycheck.

Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation

Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games, Yep, They Get Fined for Techs, Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation, Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem, Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media, And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

If there's an altercation on the court, all players who are on the bench must remain in the vicinity of their bench. If they don't, they'll be suspended without pay for a minimum of one game. Plus, they'll be fined, per league rules.

Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem

Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games, Yep, They Get Fined for Techs, Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation, Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem, Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media, And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

Before a game, the players along with their coaches and trainers are supposed to stand in a line with “dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line as the National Anthem plays. Punishment for failure to do so has not been outlined in the league's rulebook.

Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media

Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games, Yep, They Get Fined for Techs, Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation, Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem, Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media, And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

Throughout the entire season, players must follow their teams schedule for media availability to talk to the press both before and after the game. For example, during the WNBA’s preseason players are required to be available for the media during the last 30 minutes of practice. All players as well as the head coach have to stay on the floor for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to a maximum of 30 minutes for media interviews.

In addition to this, on game days, teams must have five players present at organized shoot arounds for 15 minute media availability sessions. Postgame media availability occurs no later than 10 minutes following the game. Each head coach and two players–usually the leading scorer and key contributor, will be available for both in-person and zoom media. All players are required to remain in the building until all media obligations are met, per league policy.

And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games, Yep, They Get Fined for Techs, Players On The Bench Can't Intervene During an Altercation, Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem, Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media, And They're Required to Make Promotional Appearances

On behalf of their team and the WNBA, players are required to make promotional appearances when asked. This can be during the season and off-season. These can include youth organization visits, award shows, public service or charitable events, clinics, autograph signing sessions, or hospitality or promotional events relating to the league, per the WNBPA CBA.

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