WNBA players unite for equity amid surging league popularity, wearing “Pay Us What You Owe Us” t-shirt [VIDEO]

WNBA Stars Protest Pay at 2025 All-Star Game

In a powerful display of unity, the WNBA All-Stars took to the court in Indianapolis wearing black T-shirts emblazoned with “Pay Us What You Owe Us” during warmups for the 2025 All-Star Game. This bold statement, made just hours before tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, underscores the escalating tensions in ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between the players’ union and the league. As the WNBA rides a wave of unprecedented popularity—fueled by stars like Caitlin Clark and a new $2.2 billion media rights deal—the players are demanding a larger slice of the pie, arguing that their contributions have driven the league’s growth but not their compensation.

The protest shirts, worn by players from both Team Clark and Team Collier, including high-profile names like Clark herself, Paige Bueckers, and others, quickly went viral on social media. Videos captured the athletes jogging onto the court in formation, high-fiving fans, and showcasing the message amid cheers from a packed arena. This act comes on the heels of failed talks earlier in the week, where more than 40 players met with league officials to push for transformative changes. With the current CBA set to expire in October, the stakes are high for a league that’s finally seeing revenue surges but has long struggled with profitability.

The Protest Unfolds on All-Star Stage

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, held on July 19 in Indianapolis, was meant to celebrate the league’s brightest talents and its rising status in American sports. Instead, it became a platform for advocacy. As players warmed up, the unified attire sent a clear message to league executives: it’s time to address pay disparities and share the fruits of the WNBA’s labor. ESPN’s coverage highlighted the moment, with reporter Michele Steele noting the shirts’ appearance amid discussions on the league’s sunny outlook contrasted by player frustrations.

Caitlin Clark, the reigning Rookie of the Year and a key driver of the league’s viewership boom, joined her peers in the protest, amplifying its reach. Social media erupted with clips from accounts like @TheNBACentel and ESPN, garnering hundreds of thousands of views within hours. One parody account’s post mocking the gesture racked up over 350,000 impressions, but supportive voices from fans and media outlets like USA Today emphasized the legitimacy of the demands.

This isn’t the first time WNBA players have used high-visibility events for activism. Past All-Star weekends have seen calls for social justice, but this year’s focus on economic equity reflects the league’s evolving business landscape. With attendance up 50% in some markets and merchandise sales soaring, players argue that their on-court performances—and off-court endorsements—are fueling a renaissance that deserves fair recompense.

Background on CBA Negotiations

At the heart of the protest is the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, renegotiated every few years to set terms on salaries, benefits, and working conditions. The current deal, signed in 2020, introduced improvements like higher minimum salaries and maternity leave, but players say it falls short in the face of recent growth. The WNBPA (WNBA Players Association) rejected the league’s initial counterproposal last week, calling it insufficient.

Key demands include:

• Revenue Sharing: Players want a cut of the league’s burgeoning income, including from the new media deal valued at $2.2 billion over 11 years. Currently, the WNBA shares less than 10% of revenues with players, compared to about 50% in the NBA.
• Higher Salaries: The average WNBA salary hovers around $102,000, with top earners like A’ja Wilson making about $200,000. Rookies start at $75,000, prompting many to play overseas in the offseason for supplemental income.
• Expanded Benefits: Calls for better pensions, family planning support, and roster expansions to create more jobs and reduce injury risks.
• Offseason Freedom: Ending restrictions that limit players’ earning potential abroad.

Union leaders, including executive director Terri Jackson, have expressed disappointment in the league’s offers, which reportedly maintain a hard salary cap and minimal revenue splits. “We’re not asking for charity; we’re asking for equity,” one anonymous player told Reuters, echoing sentiments from stars like Breanna Stewart, who voiced frustration earlier this month.

The League’s Financial Reality

Critics of the players’ demands point to the WNBA’s historical losses. Founded in 1996, the league has never turned a consistent profit, relying on NBA subsidies estimated at $15-40 million annually. In 2024, it reported a $40-50 million deficit despite generating $200 million in revenue—dwarfed by the NBA’s $10 billion.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has touted a “sunny” future, citing the media deal and partnerships with brands like Aflac, which is paying $55,000 to winners of the All-Star skills challenges—far more than the $2,575 All-Star game stipend. Yet, players counter that without their star power, particularly from newcomers like Clark whose games draw record crowds, this growth wouldn’t exist.

Economic analysts note that while subsidies keep the league afloat, increased valuations (some teams now worth over $100 million) suggest potential for sustainability. A strike, hinted at by some players, could derail momentum, but union solidarity—evident in the All-Star protest—strengthens their leverage.

Player Perspectives and Broader Implications

Players like Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas have been vocal, emphasizing that fair pay isn’t just about money—it’s about respect and sustainability. “We’ve built this league,” Collier said in a post-game interview. Overseas leagues pay top WNBA talent up to $1 million per season, highlighting the domestic gap.

This movement ties into larger gender equity issues in sports. While the NBA’s minimum salary exceeds $1 million, WNBA players earn a fraction despite similar training and risks. Advocates argue that investing in women athletes boosts the entire ecosystem, as seen in soccer’s NWSL, which recently secured better deals post-protests.

Looking Ahead: Strike Looms or Deal on Horizon?

As the All-Star festivities conclude, eyes turn to the negotiating table. With the season ongoing and playoffs approaching, a prolonged impasse could lead to a work stoppage—the first since 1999. However, the league’s upward trajectory offers hope for compromise. Engelbert has promised “transformative” changes, but players insist on concrete numbers.

This protest marks a pivotal moment for the WNBA, blending athletic excellence with advocacy. Whether it leads to higher paychecks or heightened tensions, one thing is clear: the players are no longer content with the status quo. As fans fill arenas and streams hit records, the call for equity resonates louder than ever.