Men Are Betting on WNBA Players’ Menstrual Cycles

The world of sports betting has long been criticized for its lack of boundaries, but recent revelations have exposed a new and deeply troubling trend: men are reportedly placing bets on WNBA players’ performances by speculating about their menstrual cycles. According to a report from Wired, amplified by coverage in Jezebel and discussions on platforms like YouTube, this practice has gained traction among certain online gambling communities, drawing widespread condemnation from athletes, advocates, and the LGBTQ+ community alike . The incident not only highlights persistent misogyny in sports culture but also raises urgent questions about privacy, consent, and the growing intersection of gender, health, and technology in athletics.

According to reporting by Wired and Jezebel, online gambling forums and social media accounts have seen “dozens of dedicated gamblers” theorizing about WNBA players’ menstrual cycles and making bets on how these cycles might affect game outcomes . These gamblers claim to track players’ “phases” using pseudo-scientific assumptions about physical performance across the menstrual cycle, speculating, for example, that a player in her “late luteal phase” will have reduced strength or endurance. Some even refer to these bets as “blood money,” a term that underscores both the grotesque nature of the practice and the lack of genuine scientific basis.

The methods reportedly involve gamblers sharing spreadsheets, game stats, and unfounded “cycle predictions” across Discord servers, Reddit threads, and private betting groups. In one widely circulated video, a man in disguise—wearing a ski mask and goggles—boasts about betting the “under” on a player’s performance based on his assumption of her current menstrual phase . These discussions are often laced with misogynistic language and degrade players to mere biological processes rather than recognizing their athletic skill.

The revelations have reignited debates over athlete privacy and the ethical boundaries of sports analytics. Unlike some male athletes who have occasionally volunteered information about personal health for performance analysis, WNBA players have not consented to any such speculation or data use. In fact, there is no evidence that gamblers have access to any real menstrual health data; their assumptions are based on visible factors such as game performance and appearance, which are unreliable and invasive proxies.

Advocates warn that this kind of speculation sets a dangerous precedent, not only violating players’ privacy but also reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women’s bodies and capabilities. As Dr. Jen Gunter, a leading OB/GYN and women’s health advocate, told Wired, “Assuming someone’s menstrual status based on their athletic performance is not just bad science—it’s a gross invasion of privacy and a clear example of gender-based harassment” .

Players and allies across the WNBA and LGBTQ+ communities have reacted with outrage and disappointment. Many point out that the betting scheme is yet another example of how women and gender-diverse athletes are treated differently—and often more harshly—than their male counterparts. “This is not just disrespectful, it’s dehumanizing,” said one former WNBA player, speaking anonymously out of concern for online harassment .

For transgender and nonbinary athletes, the incident is especially concerning. The focus on menstrual cycles not only excludes athletes who do not menstruate but also reinforces binary gender norms that marginalize those whose experiences do not fit traditional expectations. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for more inclusive conversations around athlete health, privacy, and respect, regardless of gender identity .

This incident is the latest in a long line of misogynistic behaviors directed at women athletes. Historically, female athletes have faced scrutiny not just for their performance but for their appearance, sexual orientation, and even their bodies’ natural functions. In recent years, social media has amplified such scrutiny, providing new platforms for harassment and objectification . The rise of sports gambling, now legal in many jurisdictions, has only intensified the problem.

While betting on sports outcomes is regulated in many countries, the specific act of betting on presumed menstrual cycles is a new and largely unaddressed issue. Legal experts suggest that while the act itself may not currently violate gambling laws, it could run afoul of privacy and harassment statutes if personal health information were ever obtained or disseminated without consent .