WNBA All-Stars Protest Stalled CBA Negotiations

At the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend, players staged a unified protest for higher pay and improved revenue sharing by wearing 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts, drawing attention to stalled CBA negotiations. The players’ union has opted out of the current CBA, which expires at the end of the 2025 season, and talks with league officials remain deadlocked over salaries, revenue sharing, and benefits. Union leaders, including Nneka Ogwumike, Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, argue that the league's rapid growth and record revenues should lead to better compensation for players. Fans supported the protest, chanting 'pay them' at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the MVP ceremony. Players have threatened a potential holdout if demands are not met, stressing the need to share in the league’s financial success as it expands. Commissioner Engelbert called the talks constructive but acknowledged significant gaps and said an agreement is crucial before league expansion and the next season.