A public dispute between two prominent WNBA players has thrust relationship drama into the sports spotlight, raising questions about how professional leagues handle internal conflicts and public allegations.
Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington made accusations against her ex-girlfriend, Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith, on social media this week, claiming Smith had been unfaithful with multiple players across the league. Carrington posted on Threads: "Since mfs wanna be funny today ima be hilarious! yes, nalyssa cheated on me with Deja Kelly and Aaliyah Nye +++ many more."
Carrington and Smith began dating while both played college basketball at Baylor University and maintained their relationship after both entered the WNBA. The two were briefly reunited as teammates on the Dallas Wings during the 2025 season before Smith's trade to the Las Vegas Aces. When the pair announced their breakup later that year, Carrington said they had simply "grew in different directions."
Smith, along with the other players named in Carrington's post—Deja Kelly and Aaliyah Nye, both of the Las Vegas Aces—have not publicly responded to the allegations. Kelly plays guard, while Nye plays forward.
Carrington's Sky are scheduled to face Smith and Kelly on Aug. 1 when Chicago hosts Las Vegas. A later Sept. 19 game will pit Carrington against Nye and the Atlanta Dream.
The incident adds another chapter to a season that has already drawn significant media attention. Carrington has been at the center of several high-profile moments, including an altercation with Caitlin Clark during a playoff game.
How the WNBA and the involved teams will address the public dispute remains unclear. The league has historically taken a measured approach to player conduct matters, often addressing issues through internal channels rather than public statements.
The situation underscores the increasingly public nature of athletes' personal lives in the social media age. What might once have remained private conflict between former partners has instead unfolded across digital platforms with thousands of observers.
