WNBA Players Demand Fair Pay Amid Rising League Success

The WNBA is experiencing significant growth, driven by record attendance and viewership, yet players are now at a critical juncture as they negotiate their next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The current discussions could determine the future of the league and whether players receive their fair share of the profits generated by their sport.

The WNBA has garnered increasing respect and visibility, especially with the emergence of new stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Alongside established veterans such as A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier, these players have amplified the league’s profile. However, the players feel that their compensation has not kept pace with the league’s financial growth, leading to mounting frustrations.

The last CBA was established in 2020 and was expected to last until 2027. However, the players opted out of this agreement, seeking better terms that reflect the league’s expansion. According to Nneka Ogwumike, president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, “The players are still adamant that we get a percentage of revenue that grows with the business.” Currently, WNBA players receive only about 9% of league income, while their salaries account for under 7% of total revenue. In contrast, NBA players receive approximately 50% of their basketball-related income.

Players are not only advocating for higher salaries but also for improved working conditions, including charter travel and enhanced safety measures. The ongoing CBA negotiations have highlighted concerns about league leadership and officiating, prompting players to voice their frustrations publicly.

Collier, who plays for the Minnesota Lynx and serves as vice-president of the players’ association, has become a prominent figure in this movement. During the 2025 All-Star Game, she organized a demonstration where players wore shirts emblazoned with “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” This statement underscored the players’ discontent with the current situation.

Tension escalated further during the semifinals of the 2025 season when Collier suffered a serious ankle injury, and her coach, Cheryl Reeve, was ejected and subsequently suspended for expressing frustration over officiating inconsistencies. Following these incidents, Collier decided to address her concerns regarding league leadership directly.

“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 stated. She criticized the league for framing CBA negotiations around financial sustainability while lacking accountability and consistency in officiating, calling it “self-sabotage.”

In a shocking revelation, Collier shared that during a conversation with Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, Engelbert dismissed concerns about officiating by stating, “only the losers complain about the refs.” Furthermore, Collier recounted Engelbert’s comment implying that players should be “on their knees” thanking her for their off-court earnings, which stem from the platform provided by the WNBA.

Engelbert has denied these allegations, but the fallout has led to a significant shift in public perception. Following Collier’s remarks, widespread support poured in from both players and coaches. League MVP A’ja Wilson expressed her disgust at Engelbert’s comments, while others took to social media to express solidarity with Collier’s stance.

Engelbert has emphasized that she does not intend to step down as commissioner, despite the backlash. During a trophy presentation for the Las Vegas Aces, the crowd booed her, reflecting the growing discontent among fans regarding her leadership.

As discussions progress, the WNBA stands at a pivotal point. The stakes extend beyond salary caps and free agency; they touch upon the very integrity of the league. Players are advocating not only for better wages but for respect and recognition for their contributions.

This moment marks a transformative period for the WNBA, with rising viewership and franchise value at the forefront. As Collier aptly noted, sustainable growth cannot occur without accountability. The players’ fight is representative of a larger movement, inspiring future generations of women who aspire to break barriers in sports.

The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of the WNBA, ensuring that it remains a platform for aspiring young athletes and a testament to the power of women’s sports.