INDIANAPOLIS — The recent WNBA All-Star Weekend stood as a remarkable display of the league’s prominence, showcasing the best female basketball talent at a time when women’s sports are gaining significant traction across the nation.
Amid these celebrations, however, the players faced pressing issues concerning labor negotiations as the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire on October 31.
During the pregame warmups on Saturday, players boldly displayed a collective message on their shirts, reading: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” This demonstration was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather a product of a breakfast meeting held that morning among players to collectively decide to wear the message.
The striking shirts are also being sold on the players’ union Instagram account, with all proceeds benefitting the WNBPA and the players involved.
For many years, WNBA players have fought for the survival of the league, but now they find themselves in a position of unusual strength. With revenue reaching record highs, business expansion, and an increasing presence within the national spotlight, the players believe it’s the right moment to secure a greater share of the league’s success.
Nneka Ogwumike, the union president and Seattle Storm forward, emphasized, “We see the growth in the league and as it stands, the current salary system is not really paying us what we’re owed.
We want to be able to have that fair share moving forward, especially as we see all of the investment going in, and we want to be able to have our salaries be reflected in a structure that makes sense for us.”
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged the WNBA’s expansive growth in her annual mid-season address, noting that viewership has surged 23 percent year-over-year, attendance has risen by 26 percent, and merchandise sales have increased by 40 percent. With money flowing into the league from various sources, players are determined to secure their share before the league transitions into a sustainability phase.
The timing of the players’ message was strategically planned to coincide with one of the league’s most significant events, ensuring their voices resonated with a national audience. Engaging fans during this period was also essential for fostering community support and encouraging public backing in their negotiations.
Fan engagement was palpable throughout the weekend, with attendees showing up with “Pay the Players” signs at the game and a crowd vocalizing support for the players during Engelbert’s address.
Union vice president Napheesa Collier expressed the importance of this public backing, stating, “A lot of things are the court of public opinion, and it does matter what people think; they, of course, at the league recognize that as well, so adding that pressure is really great for us.”
Public activism is not unfamiliar for WNBA players. Kelsey Plum, the WNBPA first vice president, affirmed, “This is a resilient group that was politically outspoken during the 2020 Georgia Senate race.
They understand the unity it takes to achieve a desired outcome.”
The notion of using fashion as a medium for protest is a tactic that has been employed in the past. Players have made headlines wearing shirts with messages related to social justice causes, reflecting their commitment to activism alongside their sport.
This year marks a critical period in shaping the future of the league, and players are willing to go to great lengths to ensure their voices are heard. Several players prioritized attending bargaining meetings, with some even making significant travel sacrifices to participate.
Additionally, the players are preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage by saving money in case negotiations do not progress satisfactorily.
As the commissioner faces a pivotal moment, the players are pressing Engelbert to consider her legacy: does she want to be known as the commissioner who navigated the most significant growth in women’s sports or the one who oversaw a work stoppage?
The message conveyed through the wording “owe us” on the shirts signifies a shift in tone from seeking fairness towards asserting their rightful claim to the success of the league.
Natasha Cloud, a guard for the Liberty, underscored this sentiment, saying, “We’re going to continue to push for everything that we’ve earned.
The word ‘earned’ is something that needs to be highlighted. I think a lot of times you get told to just continue to take crumbs and be thankful for what we have, and that’s just not the case anymore.”
By commandeering a major event in the WNBA calendar, players have firmly established that they will not settle for less than what they rightly deserve, marking a strong stance during a crucial juncture in their careers and the league’s future.
image source from：nytimes
