The New York Liberty’s recent win has stirred up a storm of controversy—again. Following a narrow victory in a high-stakes WNBA matchup, fans flooded social media with accusations that the game was “rigged” in favor of the Liberty, citing several questionable officiating calls that directly influenced the outcome.

A Close Game, A Controversial Finish

The Liberty’s victory came down to the wire, but it wasn’t the players who dominated headlines—it was the referees. In the game’s final minutes, multiple calls and no-calls raised serious concerns from fans and analysts alike:

A non-call on a clear push-off by a Liberty guard allowed a key basket late in the fourth.

A phantom foul gave the Liberty two free throws, helping them extend the lead.

Meanwhile, contact on the opposing team’s drives was ignored, leading to frustration on the court and in the stands.

The final score might say “win,” but for many, it was the officiating that decided the game.

Social Media in Uproar

Hashtags like #RiggedWNBA and #FixTheRefs quickly began trending after the final buzzer. Fans didn’t hold back:

“How are we supposed to take this league seriously when the refs gift the Liberty games?”

“This is the third time this season that New York has been handed a win. Enough is enough.”

“If this happened in the NBA, it would be on SportsCenter for days.”

Many are also accusing the league of protecting “big market” teams like New York to boost ratings and ticket sales.

Experts Weigh In

Several analysts have acknowledged that officiating in the WNBA has been inconsistent this season, especially in high-profile matchups. While not all agree that games are “rigged,” there’s a growing consensus that something needs to change.

Former WNBA player turned analyst Monica Wright said, “Whether or not it’s intentional, the league needs to address the optics. These calls are hurting the WNBA’s credibility.”

Does the WNBA Have a Ref Problem?

This isn’t the first time fans have voiced concern about the officiating. Throughout the season, multiple teams have questioned foul disparities, missed calls, and inconsistent interpretations of the rules. While officiating is never perfect, the sense that certain teams benefit disproportionately is becoming a dangerous narrative.

Where Does This Leave the Liberty?

Despite the win, the Liberty find themselves at the center of growing resentment. Instead of celebrating a hard-fought game, they’re now viewed by some as a “league-favored” team, which could create tensions in future matchups.

And for fans of the opposing team, it’s hard not to feel robbed.

Trust in the League at Stake

The WNBA has made major strides in growing its fan base in recent years—but moments like this risk undoing that progress. Fans want to believe in fair competition. If they start thinking outcomes are predetermined or manipulated, the league’s long-term credibility could suffer.

What Needs to Happen Now

Transparency from the WNBA, possibly with official postgame referee reports.

Expanded use of replay and challenge systems to help correct key decisions.

Referee accountability and training improvements across the board.

The WNBA can’t afford to let the “rigged” narrative grow unchecked. If they want fans to keep tuning in, they need to show that every team is playing on a level court.