Arguably, nobody knows more about how WNBA games are officiated than Diana Taurasi. With a record 20 seasons under her belt, the 2009 MVP has a unique perspective on the good, the bad, and everything in between on how referees call games.
Leading into the 2026 All-Star Game on Saturday, the future Hall of Famer shared her thoughts as officiating takes center stage again.
WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi Delivers Blunt Take on Controversial Officiating
What Taurasi can say about the league is highly valued by WNBA executives. For that reason, she was asked to join league commissioner Cathy Engelbert and State Farm’s Kristyn Cook at the Game Plan Summit at Fanatics Fest on Friday for a comprehensive discussion of the biggest issues in the WNBA.
Unsurprisingly, officiating was brought up, allowing the host Elle Duncan to train the spotlight on 11-time All-Star. Taurasi gave a candid evaluation of how things have been going on that end.
“If you think the game is physical now, go back and watch some of those finals 15, 16 years ago. The referees got to get better. The officials got to get better. On the league side, we have to do a better job of making sure we know what are certain things that we want our players to be able to do,” Taurasi said.
A day later, Taurasi commented on the issue again but with an interesting major twist.
“Coming from me, this is gonna sound funny. The reffing? Just get over it. … It hasn’t changed in 30 years. It’s the same old people,” Taurasi stated via Meghan Hall.
In a matter of two days, the two-time WNBA Finals MVP went from urging the referees to get better to “get over it.”
Refereeing controversy has reared its ugly head again this season. Last month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas hit Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark with a fist on the throat. The officials failed to call a foul, prompting the WNBA to review the play.
The league called Thomas’ play a “non-basketball act,” which resulted in a one-game suspension and a $1,000 fine.
After the controversial play went viral, the WNBA faced massive backlash for failing to protect not just Clark but also other players regardless of status. WNBA legends Lisa Leslie and Tina Charles demanded better officiating and more consistency.
Taurasi’s change in tone from emphasizing the referees’ need to get better to play through bad calls might not be the answer to one of the biggest issues hounding the WNBA for years.
Currently, the referees are getting a little break due to the All-Star festivities. Once action resumes, expect more eyes to be on them, particularly after Taurasi’s comments.
