WNBA players demand fair pay during All-Star Game with protest shirts and strong CBA negotiation turnout

WNBA stars including Caitlin Clark wore protest shirts at All-Star Game to push for better pay and contracts.

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis wasn’t just a showcase of elite talent—it became a stage for protest. Before tipoff, players from both teams walked onto the court in black shirts reading, “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” signaling dissatisfaction with the league's handling of labor negotiations.

“That’s something we wanted to make well known,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. “In the bubble, we always knew how to make a stand with some T-shirts, so we did that today. We look forward to negotiating our fair share and our value.”

With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, a key agenda item during All-Star weekend was a long-anticipated face-to-face meeting between players and league officials. According to multiple players, the meeting was frustrating and marked by a lack of progress.

"That’s one of the things we're in the room fighting for," said Caitlin Clark ahead of the game. “We should be paid more, and hopefully that’s the case moving forward as the league continues to grow.”

Clark noted that over 40 players attended the meeting—a mix of emerging stars and veterans alike. "That was the best part of it," she said. "I think we all understand how crucial this is for our careers and for shaping the future of the league."

Fellow All-Star team captain Napheesa Collier echoed Clark’s stance, calling it “the most participation in league history.” As Collier put it, “We’re standing really firm on certain areas we feel strongly need to improve”—a message the league can no longer ignore.