sportsliberal

WNBA All-Stars Make a Bold Statement

USA, IndianapolisMonday, July 21, 2025
Advertisement

The WNBA All-Star game took a serious turn when players used their platform to demand fair pay.

A United Effort

Before the game, players from both teams wore shirts with a powerful message:

"Pay us what you owe us."

This was a united effort to highlight the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between the players and the league.

Key Moments

  • Kelsey Plum, an All-Star from the Los Angeles Sparks, spoke up after the game. She mentioned that not all players from Caitlin Clark's team were present during a pre-game meeting about coordinating the shirts and showing unity.

  • Sabrina Ionescu, a teammate of Clark's, responded with a sarcastic remark, "That really needed to be mentioned," which lightened the mood.

  • Plum, who is also the vice president of the WNBPA, explained that the shirts were a surprise to the players. The fans joined in, chanting "pay them" during the commissioner's speech.

The Message

  • Caitlin Clark, who was unable to play due to an injury, was present all weekend.

  • All players warmed up in the black shirts, symbolizing their collective demand for a fair share of the league's revenue.

  • Napheesa Collier, another All-Star, explained that players receive only a small percentage of the money generated by the WNBA. They want a fair and reasonable share for the entertainment they provide.

A Stage for Change

The WNBA All-Star game became more than just a competition. It turned into a stage for players to voice their demands and gain public support. The shirts and the chants sent a clear message: the players are united and determined to fight for what they believe is fair.

Actions