News Summary
At the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, numerous players wore T-shirts calling for higher salaries and better revenue sharing. This protest highlighted ongoing CBA negotiations where players emphasize the need for improved financial compensation that reflects the league’s growth. With the current salary structure awarding players only a fraction of league revenue compared to their NBA counterparts, the need for reform is urgent, especially as the league prepares for future expansions and increased revenue from new media deals.
Indianapolis – During the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, a large number of players made a bold statement demanding higher salaries and improved revenue sharing by wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the message “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” This protest coincided with ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, where union president Nneka Ogwumike underscored that the current salary structure fails to reflect the league’s growth and the financial investments made.
Currently, WNBA players receive only 9.3% of league revenue, a stark contrast to their NBA counterparts, who acquire between 49% to 51% of basketball-related income. This disparity has raised concerns among players, especially as the WNBA has not recorded a profit since its establishment in 1996, despite a surge in viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. Attendance at games has seen an impressive 26% increase, while national TV viewership has risen by 23% year-over-year. Merchandise sales have also reportedly soared by 40%.
The league’s recently negotiated media rights deal, worth an estimated $200 million annually, is expected to significantly enhance revenue starting next year. In light of this backdrop, the union has submitted proposals aimed at restructuring salaries and revenue sharing, as well as improving retirement benefits for players. However, players expressed disappointment at the league’s counterproposals during recent negotiations, considering them inadequate and indicative of a lack of transparency in the process.
Over 40 players participated in an important in-person bargaining session in Indianapolis, representing a record attendance for union meetings. Despite this strong turnout, many players felt their concerns were not adequately addressed, with some labeling the discussions as a “wasted opportunity.” The players have urged for a revenue-sharing model that would eliminate caps on earnings, ensuring they benefit from any financial success driven by the league’s growth.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert concurrently held a midseason press conference in another room, describing discussions regarding the CBA as “constructive.” Engelbert noted the need for a balanced approach to increasing salaries and benefits, emphasizing that it must coincide with owners’ abilities to invest in the league’s profitability. However, a number of players have shown a willingness to consider a work stoppage if negotiations do not yield satisfactory outcomes.
The current WNBA season features a record 44 games, with plans for team expansion including the addition of three new franchises by 2030. Players have been prepared for negotiations while maintaining their commitment to their current season, highlighting the sacrifices made in attending these discussions. Comments from the players reveal a collective frustration over equitable salary structures, ongoing transparency issues in negotiations, and calls for improvements in logistics and overall player compensation.
With the CBA set to expire on October 31, 2025, following the players opting out of the previous agreement, it is clear that the clock is ticking for both the league and the players to reach a fair resolution. Future discussions are likely to occur primarily through virtual means as the season progresses, indicating ongoing tension and the need for both parties to revisit their positions in the negotiations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WNBA All-Star Game Showcases Growth and Pay Equity
WNBA Players Demand Fair Compensation During All-Star Game
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Google Search: WNBA CBA negotiations
- CBS Sports
- Wikipedia: WNBA
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s National Basketball Association
- Fox Sports
- Google News: WNBA CBA negotiations
- CNBC
- Google Scholar: WNBA players salaries
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
