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Caitlin Clark, WNBA Players Protest Pay With All-Star Pre-Game Outfits originally appeared on The Spun.
The WNBA All-Star Game is getting underway. But as players came out for their pregame warmups, they also sent a clear message to the league.
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As the players went onto the court for the game, they all wore black t-shirts that said “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The message comes amid an ongoing battle between the WNBA and the players’ union.
Talks over a new collective bargaining agreement have reportedly stalled and some of the players have been openly critical of the WNBA’s unwillingness to budge on certain issues.
The end result is the protest that you see here – from both All-Star Game teams.
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But judging by the reaction on social media, fans are choosing to side with the league over the players. The key complaint among fans has been that the WNBA does not generate a profit, and therefore the players should not be making more money before the league is finally in the black:
“The WNBA does not generate a profit. It operates at a loss, with the NBA providing financial support,” one user remarked.
“Cool. What share of the profits of their league do they believe they should get?” another mocked.
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“Actually they should be wearing shirts that thank the NBA for giving them a livelihood.”
“Lol. The league lost $60M last season. Be careful what you wish for.”
“When will they pay the NBA what they owe them?? This league would’ve gone bankrupt long ago without the NBA losing money to keep them afloat.”
“Just focus on getting better at the game and the rewards will come – past two years the quality of the game has gone up. This is backtracking.”
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 07: Current WNBA Player and Former Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark reacts to a play during the second half of a Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 07, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 60-59. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
The WNBA is in a precarious position right now. On one hand, money is likely still tight even with the slew of new viewership and revenue streams that the WNBA has established. On the other hand, there simply is no WNBA without the players.
One way or another, the WNBA probably needs to get ahead of this issue and reach a new CBA before a lockout. Unlike some sports leagues, it’s hard to imagine the WNBA being able to support itself for long if there is any sort of lockout or a strike.
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Related: WNBA Owner Calls Out Caitlin Clark’s Big Contract With Nike
Caitlin Clark, WNBA Players Protest Pay With All-Star Pre-Game Outfits first appeared on The Spun on Jul 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
