INDIANAPOLIS — Ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game, players made a powerful statement by donning black T-shirts that proclaimed “Pay Us What You Owe Us” during warmups. This clear demand for fair compensation underscores their ongoing push for higher salaries and better revenue sharing.
Caitlin Clark articulated the players’ sentiments, stating, “We should be paid more and hopefully that’s the case moving forward as we continue to grow,” emphasizing the importance of their advocacy for fairness in compensation. This bold stance starkly contrasts with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s optimistic assessment in her annual “state of the union” address, which painted the current negotiations as merely typical back-and-forth in labor discussions.
Engelbert expressed hope for a fair collective bargaining agreement (CBA), saying, “We had a candid dialogue… I want to call it constructive.” However, her public remarks seem disconnected from the players’ frustrations, as fans at the All-Star Game chanted “Pay Them! Pay Them!” when she presented the MVP trophy to Napheesa Collier of the winning team.
During her address, Engelbert acknowledged the need to balance players’ demands with owners’ profits, stating, “We want to significantly increase their salary and benefits while balancing with our owners’ ability to have a path to profitability.” Yet players argue that the current revenue-sharing model—where they receive only 10%, compared to the 50/50 split in male leagues—is inadequate, describing it more as “an allowance” than true revenue sharing.
The players’ contributions to the league’s popularity, amplified by stars like Clark, Paige Bueckers, and others, are recognized as driving the WNBA’s growth. Despite the investments being made into team facilities and player experiences, many players feel they should not have to sacrifice part of their earnings for these advantages, as comparable male leagues do not impose such discounts.
The All-Star Weekend showcased the league’s growth, transforming from a simple game into a celebrated event filled with fanfare, sponsor activations, and celebrity appearances. Players are becoming more prominent, not just in gameplay but in cultural conversations, illustrated by A’ja Wilson’s new show and the rise of internet sensations like “StudBudz.”
Despite facing challenges in negotiations, there is hope as Engelbert seeks to capitalize on the current momentum and globalize the game further. The players and fans alike are hopeful that these negotiations will lead to a more equitable future for all involved in the WNBA.