Beyond the All-Star Game: Inside the WNBA Players' "Pay Us What You Owe Us" Protest
It’s safe to say this year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend was one for the books. Not just because of the events, the tunnel fits, or the StudBudz being the life of the parties, but because of the movement the players decided to come together for during this highly-anticiapated weekend. In a powerful display of unity and advocacy, WNBA players at the 2025 All-Star Game wore "Pay Us What You Owe Us" shirts during pregame warm-ups. This protest was a public statement amid tense negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The players' message was a direct response to what they perceive as a failure by the league to adequately compensate them in light of the WNBA's significant growth.
It’s More than Just Money
At its core, the players' fight boils down to one simple, yet powerful, demand: a fairer share of the pie. WNBA players currently receive about 9% of the league's revenue, a striking contrast to the 50% that NBA players receive. Players are not asking for the same salaries as their NBA counterparts, but for a more equitable percentage of the revenue they generate. The players are also pushing for salaries that would eliminate the need for them to risk their safety and well-being abroad during the off-season. This has been a long-standing point of contention, and with the league's recent surge in popularity, players feel that this discrepancy is no longer acceptable.
This conversation also comes after the 2024 WNBA season saw record-setting viewership numbers, with some games drawing over two million viewers. This trend has continued into the 2025 season, with a 23% increase in TV ratings across the board so far. This growth is especially notable when compared to previous seasons, where viewership was significantly lower. The WNBA also secured a new media rights deal valued at an estimated $2.2 billion over 11 years. This is set to begin in 2026, and will include partners like Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon. It would only be a disservice to not take care of the players.
Will ‘They’ Listen?
While a new CBA has not yet been finalized, the movement has been successful in amplifying the players' voices and securing a prominent seat at the negotiation table. It was even more amazing to hear the fans in the stadium chanting “pay them!” during the MVP trophy presentation showing their soladarity. We love the W and these players, and everyone can see how much has changed just within the last two seasons. The "Pay Us What You Owe Us" movement is not just a protest; it's a powerful and strategic demand for a more equitable business model. We’re rooting for a successful solution and continued growth for the entire league.
Keep it 🔐 as we follow this story throughout the season.