"The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis isn't remembered for any on-court performances but instead for a collective demonstration. During warmups, each All-Star donned black T-shirts that read "Pay Us What You Owe Us." The slogan referenced the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the Women's National Basketball Players Association and the WNBA that the players then believed hadn't yielded much progress."
"Solidarity has been a core principle among WNBA players well before these CBA talks. Still, like any labor negotiation, they face different realities. Some are millionaires thanks to their off-court endorsements. Others rely primarily on their on-court salaries from the WNBA -- which in 2025 ranged from $66,079 (the minimum) to $249,244 (the supermax) -- or other leagues. Some are on rookie deals, others are nearing retirement. There are parents, international players and soon-to-be WNBA draftees waiting in the wings."
At the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, all 22 All-Stars wore black T-shirts reading "Pay Us What You Owe Us" to protest stalled collective bargaining negotiations. Players displayed unanimous solidarity despite differing financial circumstances, including endorsement millionaires and those reliant on WNBA salaries that in 2025 ranged from $66,079 to $249,244. The player pool includes rookies, veterans nearing retirement, parents, international athletes, and prospective draftees. Some players now hold equity in or have co-founded other professional leagues. A CBA deadline is set for Nov. 30. Terri Jackson, WNBPA executive director since 2016, led the 2020 CBA that delivered salary increases and free-agency reforms.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]