WNBA All-Stars Demand Fair Compensation with Warmup Shirts

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — In a powerful statement during the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19, 2025, players from Team Clark and Team Collier donned warmup shirts emblazoned with the phrase "Pay us what you owe us." This demonstration arose amidst ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league, following a breakdown in discussions earlier in the week.

The message was clear: WNBA players demand a fair share of the revenue generated by the league, which they argue is largely derived from their performance and entertainment value. Napheesa Collier, a forward for the Minnesota Lynx and a prominent voice in the movement, stated, "We get a very tiny percentage of all the money that’s made through the WNBA, which obviously is made through the entertainment we provide. So we want a fair and reasonable percentage of that."

The players convened for a meeting on the morning of the All-Star Game, where the decision to wear the shirts was made in solidarity. This choice highlights the players' frustration with the league's current compensation structures, particularly in light of their recent opt-out of the last CBA in October 2024. Those discussions have centered around demands for a more equitable revenue-sharing model, increased salaries, enhanced benefits, and a more favorable salary cap.

The stakes are high; should an agreement not be reached by the upcoming October deadline, there are fears of a potential walkout, a possibility voiced by All-Stars such as Collier and Angel Reese. The sentiment among players is one of urgency, as they feel a significant gap exists between their demands and the league's proposals.

As the game unfolded, cheers erupted in the arena, with fans chanting "Pay them!" and displaying signs advocating for fair compensation. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), expressed gratitude for the support from fans, noting, "I’ve been hearing it all weekend at the fan events, supporting us and wanting us to get our fair share of the value."

The demonstration served not only as a collective statement but also as a strategic move, as many players may not be together again until the season concludes. "This is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness for what we’re doing and do it together," Collier remarked.

The players are contemplating whether to continue wearing the shirts throughout the remainder of the season, which resumes on Tuesday. They are also encouraging fans to purchase the shirts, which the union announced would be available for sale during the game.

Courtney Williams, another All-Star, emphasized the importance of standing firm in their demands, stating, "You put it out there, and you stand on business. And we’re standing on business."

The future of the WNBA hinges on these negotiations, as players continue to advocate for equitable treatment and compensation in a league they help to propel into mainstream success.