Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience for every woman, but it can be particularly challenging for professional athletes. The physical demands of playing basketball at a high level and the stress of balancing work with the challenges of pregnancy can take a huge toll on a female athlete’s body and mental health. In Australia, female basketball players face a unique set of challenges when it comes to pregnancy and professional basketball.

Female athletes who become pregnant during their basketball careers often face unique challenges that their male counterparts do not. They may have to take time off from training and competition, which can impact their performance and potentially jeopardise their place on the team. Pro soccer player Jess McDonald’s career has been marked by trading across multiple teams, making it challenging to find and afford childcare in new cities. Frequently sharing hotel rooms with her then-8-month-old son and bringing him to practice, she faced scrutiny when her performance on the court suffered. This highlights the lack of understanding and support pregnant athletes can encounter in the sports industry.

The current state of professional basketball for women in Australia has seen both progress and challenges. WNBL was established in 1981 and has since grown to become one of the premier women’s basketball leagues in the world. However, despite the league’s success, female athletes still face significant barriers in terms of pay equity, media coverage, and fan support.  Additionally, it is currently facing it’s own financial crisis.  The average salary for a WNBL player is roughly $16,000 per season, which is significantly less than what male athletes make in comparable leagues. Furthermore, women’s basketball games receive little to no mainstream media coverage compared to their male counterparts. This lack of visibility not only affects the players’ ability to earn a living but also limits the growth and popularity of the sport.

Despite these challenges, there have been recent efforts to address these issues and promote women’s basketball in Australia. The league has secured new sponsorship deals and has implemented a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which includes increased minimum salaries and maternity leave provisions. Additionally, the establishment of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has given female athletes a voice in advocating for their rights and improving the overall state of women’s basketball in Australia.

One of the biggest challenges that female basketball players face when deciding to have a baby is the fear of losing their position in the team, endorsements, and sponsorships. Taking time off from their careers can lead to a loss of income, and the fear of not being able to return to their previous level of performance can be overwhelming. Charli Turner Thorne, the Arizona State basketball coach, had three children without taking maternity leave. Her experience reflects the limited options and expectations placed on women in sports. Despite being a successful coach, she returned to work just two days after giving birth, exemplifying the pressure to quickly resume professional responsibilities.

The harassment faced by WNBA player Dearica Hamby for getting pregnant during the season brings attention to the need for clearer rules and support systems within professional sports organizations. While Las Vegas Aces Coach Becky Hammon denied bullying Hamby, the incident underscores the importance of defining policies and creating a nurturing environment for pregnant athletes.

Throughout the years, pregnant athletes have encountered a range of attitudes, from ambivalence to outright hostility, from leagues, coaches, fellow players, and sponsors. The cases of Olympic runners Allyson Felix and Kara Goucher, who faced pay cuts and termination for becoming pregnant, demonstrate the ongoing struggles. However, progress has been made, with the introduction of paid maternity leave and support systems, such as the WNBA’s recent collective bargaining agreement.

Another challenge is the physical impact of pregnancy on the players’ bodies. Pregnancy can lead to fatigue, nausea, and other physical symptoms that can affect their ability to play at the highest level. Moreover, the post-pregnancy recovery period can be lengthy and may require extra time and support to regain their pre-pregnancy physical condition. The impact of pregnancy on female basketball players’ mental health should not be underestimated either. The stress and pressure of balancing pregnancy, professional basketball, and personal life can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Female athletes in Australia are at the forefront of creating change when it comes to balancing pregnancy and professional basketball. They are speaking up and sharing their experiences, which is helping to raise awareness of the challenges they face and to push for better support and policies.  For example, the Australian Basketballers’ Association launched a Pregnancy and Motherhood Policy that provides a range of support services for female athletes who are pregnant or have recently given birth. This includes access to specialist medical care, income protection, and flexible training and competition schedules.

The WNBL  has also implemented a new policy that provides players with access to additional support during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Specifically, the policy offers financial assistance for medical costs and provides resources to help players balance the demands of motherhood with their professional basketball careers. Additionally, the policy includes provisions for players to bring their children to training sessions and games, as well as providing access to childcare services during these times.

Beyond the WNBL,  there is also the Female Athlete Network, which provides resources and support for female athletes across a range of sports, as well as athletes themselves who have spoken out about their experiences and the need for greater support. As more attention is brought to the issue, it is likely that additional policies and programs will be developed to better support female athletes who become pregnant while pursuing their professional basketball careers.

It is time for the sports industry to step up and offer better support and understanding for female athletes who are navigating pregnancy and motherhood while also pursuing their dreams. As fans, we can also play our part in supporting female athletes by advocating for better policies and representation in the media. Let us celebrate and support female athletes not only for their athletic abilities but also for their strength and resilience as mothers and role models. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable sports industry for all.