This year’s WNBA All-Star Game promised to captivate audiences, with format changes — and a cast of characters with boundless shooting range —taking center stage in Indianapolis.
Yet, the pregame portion of Saturday’s match brought the league’s contractual dispute with its players into full focus.
The WNBA’s player union, the WNBPA, has been engaged in talks with the league over a new collective bargaining agreement after opting out of the current CBA in October. At present, negotiations have proved unsuccessful, with the players unsatisfied with the rate of salary growth and revenue sharing. More than 40 players attended a meeting between union representatives and league officials. Based on the statement the WNBPA released following the conclusion of the meet-up, a strike could be on the horizon.
MORE: Everything to know about potential WNBA work stoppage in 2026
“This business is booming,” the WNBPA declared in a statement. “Media rights, ratings, revenue, team valuations, expansion fees, attendance, ticket sales are all up in historic fashion. But short-changing the working women who make the business possible stalls growth. The only thing more unsustainable than the current system is pretending it can go on forever.
“It’s not complicated.”
The supernovas who trotted onto Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night made their thoughts on the WNBA’s actions — or lack thereof — crystal clear with a gesture (and wardrobe choice) like few others.
Here’s what you need to know.
WNBA’s ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ shirts, explained
Those taking part in Saturday night’s All-Star game sported shirts with a salient message prior to the start of the action: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”
Players are wearing t-shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us” during WNBA All-Star warmups pic.twitter.com/7xIB68s4Ku
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 20, 2025
The statement was a poignant one, affirming that the league and its gang of owners were unwilling to shell out funds to those who make the sport what it is.
The current CBA agreement is believed to be owner-friendly, with revenue sharing believed to be in ownership’s favor. Players are looking to level the playing field, particularly as funds sweep into the game.
With Unrivaled proving a successful venture for players and sponsors alike, hope springs eternal that players can fight for serious concessions in the coming few months. If not, they could withhold their labor, joining other notable sports “work stoppages” like the 1994 MLB strike, 2004-05 NHL lockout, and 2011-12 NBA lockout.
