WNBA Will Tackle Officiating Woes With New Replay Center

The WNBA will tackle longstanding officiating issues by launching a centralized replay center beginning in 2027, announced commissioner Cathy Engelbert at a press conference ahead of the All-Star Game. Engelbert called it one of the most significant investments in the league’s basketball operations, describing tens of millions of dollars aimed at improving consistency, efficiency, and transparency. The league said it will use the same replay center facility as the NBA in Secaucus, New Jersey, where the NBA operates a centralized facility since the 2014-15 season. Engelbert noted the WNBA is still finalizing operational details because technology must be installed in every WNBA arena, including those used for only a handful of games. The article cites heightened criticism as the league’s popularity grew, including a dispute in the Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury semifinals and controversy over a late June non-call involving Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark, which led to a retroactive Flagrant 2 and a one-game suspension. Engelbert also said no discipline will be recommended in an investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention by the Las Vegas Aces.