The WNBA has become notorious for underpaying its players, who have recently spoken up to advocate for the pay increase many believe they deserve. During the WNBA All-Star game on July 19, the players entered the court wearing T-shirts that read, “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” When Team Collier won and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert took center court, the fans began chanting “Pay them” and “Pay the players” while the players waved their T-shirts to emphasize the message. This public demonstration highlighted a growing frustration among WNBA players over years of stagnant pay.
Once again, certain players have spoken about the pay gap between women’s basketball compared to men’s. Napheesa Collier, a player for the Minnesota Lynx, addressed the issue in a post-game interview after a season ending injury. Collier expressed: “We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now, we have the worst leadership in the world.” Collier went on to share statements from a previous conversation with Engelbert. “I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years.” Engelbert responded, “Clark should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” Collier went on “And in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.” Collier’s comments sparked support and controversy, underscoring the power dynamic between players and league leadership.
Engelbert retaliated by stating that “perspectives differ” and that she is “disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership.” This incident highlights the growing tensions between WNBA players and league management, raising questions about the future and priorities of the league. As the WNBA continues to grow in size and popularity, will the players be compensated more?
