WNBA Head of Officiating Sue Blauch Vows Reform: “Games Are Starting to Look Like Boxing Matches”

In a rare and candid statement to the media, WNBA Head of Officiating Sue Blauch acknowledged growing concerns over the state of officiating in the league and promised swift and serious changes. Her remarks come amid increasing criticism of inconsistent refereeing, unchecked physicality, and the overall conduct of games during the 2025 season.

“I’ve seen WNBA games begin to lose their integrity,” Blauch said during a press briefing. “Some of them are starting to look more like boxing matches than basketball games. And much of that falls on us—the referees.”

The bold admission comes at a tense moment for the league. Players, coaches, and fans have voiced concerns over what they see as escalating physicality and a lack of consistency in foul calls. The situation reached a boiling point in recent weeks after several high-profile incidents involving flagrant fouls and post-play altercations were either ignored or inadequately addressed by game officials.

Blauch did not shy away from responsibility.

“We’ve been too lenient, too passive, and in some cases, we’ve simply looked the other way,” she admitted. “That’s unacceptable, and it’s about to change.”

According to Blauch, the WNBA is preparing to implement a new internal disciplinary framework specifically targeting officiating standards. Under the revised policy, referees could face fines, suspensions, or even dismissal for failing to maintain professional standards or for repeatedly allowing excessive physicality to go unpunished.

“There will be consequences for officials who don’t uphold the integrity of the game,” she said. “Referees must be impartial, firm, and consistent. Anything less damages the league and endangers the players.”

Blauch also revealed that a new officiating directive will be introduced in the coming weeks, aimed at cracking down on violent or reckless on-court behavior. The directive will empower referees to issue harsher penalties—including immediate ejections—for actions deemed dangerous or unsportsmanlike.

“The physical toll on our players is real,” she added. “They deserve protection and fairness, and it’s our job to enforce that.”

The announcement has already sparked widespread discussion throughout the WNBA community. Many players and coaches have welcomed the tough stance, saying it’s long overdue.

“I’m glad Sue is speaking up,” said one anonymous veteran player. “We’ve been asking for better officiating and more protection for years. Hopefully, this means things will finally start to change.”

Fans also took to social media to express their support, with hashtags like #FixTheRefs and #ProtectWNBAPlayers trending shortly after Blauch’s comments went public.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that the league should have acted sooner, especially as the physicality has become a recurring issue for multiple seasons. Others worry that overly strict officiating could lead to longer games and an increase in controversial calls.

Still, Blauch insists that balance is key.

“This isn’t about turning basketball into ballet,” she clarified. “We want the game to be competitive and physical—but within the rules. What we can’t allow is a culture where dirty play goes unchecked and respect for the game is lost.”

Blauch’s leadership comes at a critical time for the WNBA, as the league enjoys growing viewership and mainstream attention. With more eyes on the game than ever before, the stakes for fair and professional officiating have never been higher.

“This is a turning point,” Blauch concluded. “The players, the coaches, the fans—they all deserve better. And it’s on us to deliver.”

As the WNBA prepares for the second half of the season, all eyes will be on how—and if—these promised changes translate into real accountability on the court.