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WNBA players ‘don’t feel valued’ by current contract talks, and they seem to have a point

WNBA players ‘don’t feel valued’ by current contract talks, and they seem to have a point

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The WNBA’s latest proposals for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) keep coming, and frankly, they get more confusing every day. Now, we know that negotiation points are often dramatic when they are first presented to the table, so that they can be talked down — but some of these new rules the WNBA is suggesting make little sense. Beyond making sense, they don’t even seem like offers the WNBA would seriously be able to implement without harming fan engagement, viewership, and the relationships players have to the college system and their international federations.

Not only that, they seriously undermine the players in the league, as well as the players who will be entering the league in the next few years. Players like Juju Watkins and Sarah Strong will undoubtedly become some of the biggest stars in the WNBA immediately, and don’t deserve to have their earning potential curtailed over policies proposed and agreed to by parties they are not a part of yet.

Negotiating a CBA brings up a lot of topics about labor rights, equality, and justice to begin with, but when the league negotiating their contract is a women’s league, it brings up these injustices a lot quicker. Women’s athletes have a lot more to negotiate in their contracts, especially when you think about the history of pay inequality globally and healthcare differences for women, just to name two big points.

Players’ Union president Nneka Ogwumike told The Athletic this week that players “don’t feel valued in these talks as they stand today.” She continued on to say that she feels players are “being heard, but not listened to.”

Here are a few things the WNBPA (the WNBA’s players’ union) is proposing to add to this new CBA, per Ben Pickman of the Athletic:

  • Eliminate the core designation and team-exclusive negotiation rights (reserved contracts).
  • Shorten the length of rookie scale contracts, which are currently 3 years with a team option in the 4th year.
  • Inact maternity leave for non-birthing parents.
  • “Meaningful” retirement benefits.
  • Uniform standards league-wide for private practice, training and recovery facilities.
  • Staffing requirements league-wide, including strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, doctors etc.
  • Reimbursement for mental health services.
  • A revenue-sharing program that grows in line with the league’s growth per season.

On the other hand, here are a few of the WNBA’s proposals, per Pickman:

  • No longer paying for team housing.
  • A mandatory draft combine for incoming rookies, with salaries of absent players cut in half.
  • Limit the number of guaranteed contracts each team can have each season.
  • Move the start of the season up.
  • One week of paid non-birthing parent leave.

Even comparing these proposals, you can see the ways in which players are being undervalued, and that’s without going into the salary and revenue-sharing points. As Ogwumike states, the players are feeling it as well. In past negotiation years, maybe the league could use finances or lack of reach to explain some of the things they didn’t want to offer, but this is a different women’s sports landscape. The WNBA has seen tremendous growth in the past 5 years, and the fact that there isn’t language in the CBA that mandates teams have athletic trainers on staff is incredibly outdated. Much of how the WNBA’s players are treated is outdated.

Funny enough, a lot of the way the WNBA markets its league and players has to do with this “girl power” mentality. Highlighting the ways that women are breaking barriers and glass ceilings, being very adamant to publicize viewership growth and how the numbers reflect the ways in which the league has grown. The players are the reason for all the growth, and the main subject of the content that is driving said growth — yet, they still aren’t seen as worth enough to be treated the way they want to be in a contract?

That growth in women’s sports has made it so that we now have research proving that women’s athletes need to be training differently than their male counterparts in order to reduce injury risk. That growth has made it so that more women feel comfortable growing their families during their careers, and making comebacks that didn’t happen as often before. That growth has turned women’s athletes from being forgotten about roster numbers to global businesswomen and ambassadors.

Yet, their own contract does not even reflect that growth, and these proposals make it seem like the next one won’t either.

To compare bargaining points with another United States-based women’s sports league, let’s take a look at the NWSL’s CBA, signed in August 2024. The NWSL was able to double its team salary cap, while also adding a revenue-sharing program that is tied to the previous season’s media rights and sponsorship money. On top of that, the NWSL eliminated their draft and made it so that all players automatically go into free agency as rookies. They were also able to make every contract guaranteed, enforce no-trade clauses, and expand family planning and health benefits.

All of those points help the NWSL’s players have more autonomy over their lives and careers, where they play, and have financial security. It also sets a precedent for what women’s athletes deserve, and the WNBA’s players are hoping to gain a new level of autonomy in this new contract, just like the NSWL was able to.

There’s nowhere to hide, either. The WNBA has a vocal and devoted online fan base, who aren’t afraid to make noise about these topics. The WNBA’s online fans were a big part of why the league finally enacted the charter flight program, and the fans’ vocal support of players in these negotiations puts pressure on getting a deal done. Not just any deal, though, one that reflects the players’ wants and needs as a labor force.

This new CBA needs to make the WNBA players feel valued for the work they put in for the league, and they are holding out strong until that happens.

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Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #DerbyMay 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”


The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026 Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside. #Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protectionThe plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.Published on Aug 06, 2026 #Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship

Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship

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