Wins and losses, injuries, fatigue, the pressure to perform, the scrutiny that never stops- for professional athletes, it can be a lot. But for women athletes, it runs even deeper. Because while they chase excellence on the court, they’re also carrying something far more complex – motherhood, menstrual health, postpartum body image struggles, and so much more. It’s a layered reality that often goes unseen. Still, they lace up, show up, and pour everything into the game. But how could all of this not weigh on them? 

The truth is, it does. And in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. However, the good part is, the WNBA has become a trailblazer in addressing that truth. As one of the most progressive leagues in professional sports, the W continues to lead not just with talent but with purpose, pushing forward conversations around mental health.

How Liz Cambage sparked the WNBA’s mental health movement

Back in August 2019, the WNBA was being quietly outpaced by its brother league. The NBA was making headlines for stepping up its mental health game, rolling out league-wide policies ahead of the new season. Meanwhile, the W was still playing catch-up, and the players were feeling it. But sitting idle wasn’t an option.

Four days into her brand-new role as WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert had a long to-do list. Mental health was on it. But it wasn’t yet a priority… until Liz Cambage made sure it became one. Just days after the NBA’s announcement, the then-Las Vegas Aces center penned a powerful letter in The Players’ Tribune, calling out the WNBA for falling behind in protecting its players’ mental well-being. Her message was clear: “We’re suffering, and no one’s really helping.” It hit hard, and it worked.

At the time, negotiations for a new CBA were just beginning. Behind the scenes, Engelbert and the players’ union were finally talking about mental health, not just as a nice-to-have, but as a necessity. The following January, the league released its groundbreaking new CBA. Tucked inside was a first-ever section on mental health. Sure, it was vague – promising a list of providers in each city – but it was a start.

In press conferences, everyone from Engelbert to WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike emphasized how much mental health mattered. But specifics were few. So the players, the league, and the union kept pushing. From the chaos of the 2020 Wubble came something powerful: regular community mental health check-ins, a new wave of storytelling, and the slow build of real programming. 

With help from experts like Dr. Altha J. Stewart and therapist Dr. Hillary Gunter, the WNBA began crafting a playbook. Some players even received it at the All-Star Game. Former players were brought into the fold, too, finally given the same access and support. So, it’s taken years of advocacy, honesty, and a lot of trust, but the W is finally turning that line. 

Inside the WNBA’s mental health game plan

The WNBA has always led the way when it comes to pushing boundaries – whether it’s fighting for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, or representation. But now, the league’s making sure its progressive values aren’t just talk. With league-wide programs, team-specific efforts, and a powerful push for community support, the W is creating something real: a full-on mental health ecosystem.

Let’s start with the league-wide initiatives.

• In partnership with the NBA, the WNBA rolled out the Mind Health Digital Tool– an interactive experience where players (and fans!) can find out what wellness strategies work best for them. The six pillars – Move, Play, Learn, Connect, and Nourish- are more than just cute categories – they’re designed to build everyday mental fitness. It’s not a checklist, it’s a mindset.
• Then there’s Evernorth Health Services, the WNBA’s official health partner. Together, they’re rolling out health and wellness activations at marquee events like All-Star Weekend and even planning a Health Summit for 2025.
• There’s ALSO a brand-new “No Space for Hate” campaign – launched in April 2025 – to combat racism and online harassment. Think tougher arena policies, social media monitoring, and more access to therapists and mental health pros. 

Additionally, franchises are stepping u,p too. The Phoenix Mercury partnered with MIND 24‑7 for 24/7 walk-in mental health care across four sites, kicking it off with a special Mental Health Awareness Night. The Atlanta Dream, back in 2021, started their awareness night in collaboration with Anthem, including virtual panels like “Head Space with Dream Players.”

Also, during Commissioner’s Cup, the Chicago Sky supported Sista Afya Community Care, while the Dallas Wings backed Sisters Network, showing that mental health, fitness, and breast cancer care are all connected under the WNBA Cares umbrella. The Las Vegas Aces president, Nikki Fargas, is walking the talk, too. The Aces just held their second annual mental health summit, bringing in nearly 100 local high schoolers to work through wellness techniques at four interactive stations on the team’s practice court. 

The best part has to be that the culture shift is now baked in. When Curt Miller interviewed for the Wings’ GM role, he was sold on how seriously the franchise took mental wellness. New head coach Chris Koclanes even includes mental health messaging at every practice. “There’s more to the game than just the physical,” he reminds his players.

Even at this year’s WNBA Draft, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke openly about the hate and vitriol players sometimes face and revealed a new task force built to fight it head-on, including access to mental health clinicians for players who need support right now. “There’s no space for hate, and I think there is just continuing drain on all of us, on players, on staff, staff on our teams,” Engelbert said before the Draft. “After last year, I think we just really wanted to do something … it was time to put this task force together and really hit it head-on.”

So, from players like Cambage and Breanna Stewart, who openly spoke about mental health struggles, to stars like Jonquel Jones and Kayla McBride, who didn’t even realize they were dealing with it until much later – it’s taken a lot of voices, brave moments, and little pieces coming together to push this conversation forward. 

Now that more players are opening up and sharing their journeys, it’s clear this movement was never just about awareness. It’s about healing, community, and building something that lasts. And this is just the beginning. With the players opting out of the current CBA (collective bargaining agreement), a new agreement is expected by the end of the year. Can mental health finally be at the forefront in the upcoming negotiations?

What do you think? Drop your thoughts.