Three Referees Found Guilty of Accepting Bribes to Help Las Vegas Aces Win WNBA Finals
In a scandal that has rocked the WNBA and raised serious concerns about the integrity of professional officiating, three referees have been found guilty of accepting bribes in connection with the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury.
According to sources close to the investigation, the referees—whose names have not yet been publicly disclosed pending further legal proceedings—were discovered to have received undisclosed financial incentives allegedly intended to influence their officiating in favor of the Las Vegas Aces.
The accusations first surfaced weeks after the Finals concluded, with several controversial no-calls and favorable rulings drawing scrutiny from analysts, players, and fans alike. While the Aces ultimately secured the championship title, the legitimacy of their victory is now being questioned in light of these revelations.
An internal league investigation, launched in cooperation with federal authorities, uncovered communication records and financial transactions that suggested clear intent to manipulate the outcome of multiple games during the Finals series.
WNBA Responds Swiftly
In response to the scandal, the WNBA released a statement condemning the actions of the referees involved:
“The WNBA holds all officials to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Any actions that compromise the fairness of competition will be met with the strongest disciplinary measures possible.”
All three referees have been permanently banned from officiating in any WNBA-sanctioned event, and the league is reportedly reviewing all games from the series in question to assess whether further action—including possible sanctions or game result reviews—may be necessary.
Impact on the Aces and the League
The Las Vegas Aces, who celebrated their third consecutive championship earlier this year, have not been directly implicated in the bribery scandal. However, public opinion is divided. Some fans and commentators have called for an independent investigation into whether any team personnel were aware of or involved in the scheme.
Legal experts say the convictions could set a precedent for future oversight in professional sports officiating.
“This is a wake-up call not just for the WNBA, but for all professional leagues,” said sports ethics analyst Dr. Mariah Jenkins. “Transparency and accountability in officiating must be non-negotiable.”
What Happens Next
As the league works to repair its image and restore trust among players and fans, broader reforms in referee training, game review policies, and financial transparency are expected to follow.
Meanwhile, the convicted referees face potential prison time and heavy fines. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year.
