In a recent episode of the podcast she co-hosts with Dearica Hamby and Sue Bird, rising WNBA starCameron Brink surprised everyone when she abruptly said, “I want a baby.” The conversation had turned to Ruby, Breanna Stewart’s daughter, which prompted Brink’s spontaneous comment. Hamby’s reaction was immediate: “Chill. Cut the camera,” said the Los Angeles Sparks forward, clearly taken aback.
Brink, who got engaged last year and is still in the early stages of her professional career, quickly clarified her statement. She explained she’s not planning to have kids right away, but does envision motherhood within the next five years. Still, the moment sparked an honest and slightly awkward exchange that underscored a deeper truth: the complex relationship between professional basketball and motherhood.
“Is it crazy to want a baby?”: the question that says it all
The moment didn’t just surprise listeners-it struck a nerve. “Is it crazy?” Brink asked hesitantly, and it was Sue Bird, a WNBA legend, who reassured her. “No, it’s not crazy to want a baby, it’s just the job,” Bird said, pointing out that many players delay motherhood and that plans can always change.
This wasn’t the first time Brink expressed her uncertainty. Back in April, during her “Straight to Cam” podcast, she opened up in a heartfelt conversation with Sydel Curry and rapper NLE-both of whom are parents. Brink admitted she wasn’t sure when or how to start a family, noting that the average WNBA career is short. “I want to play as long as I can, but I just don’t know how,” she said.
Hamby’s past and the harsh reality behind the system
Hamby’s reaction wasn’t just playful-it came from experience. In 2023, she was at the center of a major controversy after announcing her second pregnancy during the Las Vegas Aces’ 2022 championship parade. Shortly after, she was traded under suspicious circumstances, claiming she was manipulated, discriminated against, and made to feel like pregnancy was a betrayal of her team.
The WNBA launched an investigation and found that the Aces had violated league rules. The consequences were serious: they lost their 2025 first-round draft pick and head coach Becky Hammon was suspended for two games. Hamby later filed a lawsuit, stating that team officials treated her as if she had promised not to get pregnant when she signed her contract.
Despite this, Hamby acknowledges progress under the new collective bargaining agreement. Full maternity pay, two-bedroom housing, private nursing spaces, and up to $60,000 for fertility, adoption, or surrogacy support are now available to veteran players. Still, she insists that these benefits must also be extended to retired athletes who delayed starting families for the sake of their careers.
The WNBA still has work to do
Players like DeWanna Bonner, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Napheesa Collier have shown that it’s possible to thrive in the WNBA while raising children, but their success stories aren’t evidence of a supportive system-they’re proof of determination in spite of it. Their paths inspire, but also highlight how much more needs to be done.
Cameron Brink is not alone in wanting both a family and a long-lasting career. Her raw honesty may have sparked an awkward moment, but it also reignited a critical question: can a WNBA player truly have it all without major sacrifices? With a new collective bargaining agreement in place, the league now has a real chance to answer with action-not just words.
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