WNBA Pay Us What You Owe Us: All-Stars Protest League Pay Structure
On the league’s biggest night, the message couldn’t have been clearer. WNBA players took the floor for the 2025 All-Star Game in Indianapolis wearing black shirts with bold white letters: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The coordinated protest, led by players from both Team Clark and Team Collier, signaled growing unrest as labor negotiations between the WNBA and its players remain stalled.
The protest followed Thursday’s in-person bargaining session that failed to produce progress. The current collective bargaining agreement was opted out of in October 2024, and with the October 2025 deadline fast approaching, players are calling attention to what they say is a broken system.
“All we’re asking for is a fair share of what we bring in,” said All-Star Napheesa Collier. “We get a very tiny percentage of all the money that’s made through the WNBA.”
Walkout on the Horizon? Players Demand Revenue Share, Better Salaries, and Benefits
The players are demanding changes that include a more equitable revenue-sharing model, increased salaries, stronger health and family benefits, and a restructured salary cap. According to multiple players, including All-Star Angel Reese, a walkout remains a very real possibility if progress isn’t made soon.
The protest was born from a players-only meeting on Saturday morning. By tip-off, it had grown into a league-wide statement. Fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse joined in, chanting “Pay them!” and holding signs in support of the players’ fight.
Fans Back the Movement as Protest Shirts Go Public
Brittney Sykes of the Washington Mystics held up a protest sign after the game, and union president Nneka Ogwumike said the team was surprised and encouraged by the outpouring of support. The WNBPA later confirmed that the protest shirts are available for public purchase — a move Ogwumike hadn’t realized had gone live until fans started wearing them.
“You put it out there, and you stand on business,” said All-Star Courtney Williams. “And we’re standing on business.”
Kelsey Plum Sparks Criticism With Dig at Team Clark
While the protest sent a powerful message, postgame comments from Kelsey Plum briefly diverted attention. At a press conference with Sabrina Ionescu, Plum noted that “zero members of Team Clark were very present” at the morning meeting where the protest was organized — a comment that drew an eye-roll from Ionescu and backlash from fans online.
Plum later said she was trying “to make the situation light,” but the moment fueled speculation about cracks in the players’ united front. Fans called the comment “unnecessary,” with one writing, “I don’t think creating any division among players is the right move when discussing this topic that impacts everyone in the league.”
Final All-Star Gathering Before Possible Labor Showdown
The second half of the season resumes Tuesday, but with no deal in place, this year’s All-Star Game could mark the final major gathering of WNBA players before a labor showdown this fall. Union leaders say they are considering more ways to sustain the momentum — including continuing the protest during regular season games.
“This is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness for what we’re doing,” Collier said, “and do it together.”
