WNBA referees are clamping down on physicality. Is it helping or hurting players?
Summary
Rickea Jackson of the Chicago Sky tore her ACL and will miss the rest of the 2026 WNBA season. The league has been increasing fouls called to reduce physical contact and protect players, but opinions differ on whether this effort is effective.Key Facts
- Rickea Jackson was injured during a game against the Minnesota Lynx and tore her left ACL.
- Jackson joined the Chicago Sky after a trade and was playing well before her injury.
- The WNBA has increased the number of foul calls to reduce physical play and protect players.
- Average fouls per team per game rose from 17.5 last season to about 22 this season.
- A taskforce made up of coaches worked on improving rule enforcement during the offseason.
- Coaches and referees have improved communication to make foul calls more consistent.
- Some players believe referees are not effectively protecting players despite more fouls being called.
- The league and coaches agree it will take time to change how physical play is managed.
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