WNBA Players Demand Fair Salaries and Revenue Sharing

News Summary

During the WNBA All-Star Game, players advocated for higher salaries and better revenue sharing by wearing T-shirts stating ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us.’ As negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement continue, players are pushing for salary increases that reflect the league’s growth. With record attendance and viewership this season, they argue for a fair share of revenues. The current salary structure, which sees players receiving only a small percentage of league revenue, has raised concerns. Players are expressing readiness to consider a work stoppage if needed, highlighting the urgency of their demands.

Indianapolis – During the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, players made a strong statement for higher salaries and better revenue sharing by donning T-shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” This demonstration comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current structure, which sees WNBA players receiving only 9.3% of league revenue, pales in comparison to their NBA counterparts, who receive 49% to 51%.

WNBA union president Nneka Ogwumike expressed that the existing salary system fails to acknowledge the league’s growth and its investments in players. Meanwhile, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was busy with a midseason press conference, addressing the ongoing CBA discussions. Despite the commissioner discussing “constructive” talks, over 40 players attended an in-person bargaining session with league officials, a record turnout for the union, indicating a rising concern amongst players.

Frustration was palpable among the players, who felt that the league’s counterproposal did not adequately address their demands. The 2025 season has seen a 26% increase in attendance and a 23% increase in national TV viewership, along with a 40% surge in merchandise sales. These metrics highlight the league’s growth potential, yet the WNBA has yet to turn a profit since its formation in 1996.

Looking ahead, a new media rights deal worth $200 million annually is scheduled to take effect next year, expected to contribute significantly to revenue growth. However, players are advocating for adjustments in their salary and revenue-sharing structure, demanding compensation that reflects the league’s financial successes. The union has presented a series of proposals including salary increases, improved benefits, and a more equitable revenue-sharing model that would allow players to share directly in the league’s financial growth.

Despite the potential for enhanced earnings, the league has indicated that increased salaries must also consider the owners’ capability to invest while striving for profitability. Engelbert has emphasized that a balanced approach is critical, one that acknowledges both the expansion of player earnings and the league’s financial realities.

The WNBA season features a record 44 games, with plans for expansion, which includes three new franchises launching by 2030. Notably, the CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025, following the players’ opt-out from the previous agreement. Players have shown readiness to consider a work stoppage as a potential course of action if negotiations fall through or do not meet their expectations.

Concerns raised during the recent bargaining sessions highlight the need for equitable salary structures and greater transparency in the negotiation process. Additionally, players referenced the league’s charter flight program, initiated outside of the CBA, as a reflection of their ongoing demand for enhanced logistics and compensation.

As the league continues with its season, discussions are likely to transition to primarily virtual communications. The forthcoming meetings will be crucial as the WNBA navigates this period of negotiation, with players clearly expressing the necessity for their earnings to align with the financial successes of the league. The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen, but the drumbeat for change continues to resonate strongly within the WNBA.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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