WNBA Players Demand Fair Compensation

WNBA players took a stand on Saturday by wearing "Pay Us What You Owe Us" shirts prior to the WNBA All-Star Game, signaling their desire for fair compensation as contract negotiations loom.

The league has seen a surge in popularity thanks to new stars like Caitlin Clark, leading to increased ratings and attendance. This growth could result in teams turning a profit, according to Forbes.

Players are demanding a raise, recognizing the value they bring to the game. "We wanted to do something that was united as a collective, and I thought that it's a very powerful moment and got the point across," WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum said. "Sometimes, you don't have to say anything."

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledges the league has changed significantly since its last collective bargaining agreement in 2020. "We were at a very different place in 2020 than we are in 2025. So, I think you'll see the revenue sharing be a much more lucrative one as we go forward because we're in a better place, quite frankly," she said.

The league is expanding its footprint, with new teams set to join by 2030. Toronto, Portland, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit will receive expansion teams, bringing the total number of teams to 18.

Engelbert emphasized the need for a balance between increasing player compensation and allowing teams to remain profitable. "I just come back to the players and the elite level of play they're putting on the court. I respect what they do every day. I'm so thrilled to represent them because I think they're helping lift all of women's sports and, quite frankly, girls and women in society."