Full Breakdown
Betting on Menstrual Cycles: A Controversial Trend in WNBA Gambling
1/30/2026, 12:50:13 PM
Core Event: Menstrual Cycle Betting in the WNBA
As the WNBA season culminates with the finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, a controversial trend has emerged: men are betting on players' performances based on their menstrual cycles. This practice, which some refer to as "blood money," has gained traction among online gamblers, particularly through the predictions of a figure known as FadeMeBets, who claims a 68.75% accuracy rate in his menstrual cycle-related forecasts.
Background & Context: The Rise of WNBA Viewership
The current WNBA season has seen unprecedented interest, with attendance surpassing 2.5 million and high-profile players like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark becoming household names. This surge in viewership has attracted a predominantly male audience, coinciding with the increasing popularity of sports gambling.
Methods of Prediction: Analyzing Performance Metrics
FadeMeBets employs a strategy that combines player performance metrics with assumptions about their menstrual cycles. He analyzes statistics such as field goal percentage and plus/minus ratings over a 24- to 38-day cycle, looking for patterns that might indicate a player's performance dips during specific phases of their cycle. For example, he predicted a decrease in Clark's performance during her late luteal phase, suggesting that bettors should wager on her scoring lower than expected.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Sexism and Pseudoscience
Experts have criticized this betting strategy as both sexist and pseudoscientific. Amy West, a sports medicine physician, emphasizes the variability of menstrual cycles among individuals, stating, “Not every woman is the same... it’s actually kind of silly” to make predictions based on generalized assumptions. Critics argue that this approach reduces female athletes to their biological functions rather than recognizing their skills and abilities.
Official Statements & Responses: The League's Stance
While the WNBA has not issued a formal statement regarding the betting trend, the league's increasing visibility and popularity have raised concerns about how female athletes are perceived and treated in the gambling landscape. The focus on menstrual cycles in betting could detract from the athletes' achievements and reinforce outdated stereotypes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Lack of Player Engagement
Despite the growing trend, there is a notable absence of direct engagement with players regarding their menstrual cycles. FadeMeBets has not consulted any athletes about their experiences, raising questions about the accuracy and ethics of his predictions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What's kind of good, but also kind of bad, is it brings more people to watch the WNBA, but, on the downside of that, it's usually just all gamblers,” — FadeMeBets, Online Gambler
- “Not every woman is the same. Yes, there's the traditional 28-day cycle, but everyone's is different, and it varies person to person, month by month,” — Amy West, Sports Medicine Physician
- “We’ve got a victim, boys.” — FadeMeBets, Online Gambler
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, the implications of betting practices based on menstrual cycles highlight the need for a more respectful and informed approach to female athletes and their performances.
