Part 6/10:
One of the most contentious aspects of this development is the Saudi Arabian investment. The league's backing by a Saudi public investment fund introduces a layer of ethical and social debate. Critics point out that the Saudi regime has a well-documented record on women's rights and social freedoms, which starkly contrasts with the league's purported promotion of women's sports.
Notably, the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) President, NaLyssa Agumake, and other league leaders have been accused by some insiders of “selling out” due to the lucrative financial incentives offered by Saudi-backed ventures. This signals a potential fracture within the women's basketball community and raises questions about the league's social conscience versus its financial ambitions.