This year\u2019s WNBA All-Star Game promised to captivate audiences, with format changes \u2014 and a cast of characters with boundless shooting range \u2014taking center stage in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n
Yet, the pregame portion of Saturday’s match brought the league’s contractual dispute with its players into full focus.<\/p>\n
The WNBA’s player union, the WNBPA, has been engaged in talks with the league over a new collective bargaining agreement after opting out of the current CBA in October. At present, negotiations have proved unsuccessful, with the players unsatisfied with the rate of salary growth and revenue sharing. More than 40 players attended a meeting between union representatives and league officials. Based on the statement the WNBPA released following the conclusion of the meet-up, a strike could be on the horizon.<\/p>\n
MORE:\u00a0Everything to know about potential WNBA work stoppage in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n “This business is booming,” the WNBPA declared in a\u00a0statement<\/a>. “Media rights, ratings, revenue, team valuations, expansion fees, attendance, ticket sales are all up in historic fashion. But short-changing the working women who make the business possible stalls growth. The only thing more unsustainable than the current system is pretending it can go on forever.<\/p>\n “It’s not complicated.”\u00a0<\/p>\n The supernovas who trotted onto Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night made their thoughts on the WNBA’s actions \u2014 or lack thereof \u2014 crystal clear with a gesture (and wardrobe choice) like few others.<\/p>\n Here’s what you need to know.<\/p>\n WNBA’s ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ shirts, explained<\/p>\n Those taking part in Saturday night’s All-Star game sported shirts with a salient message prior to the start of the action: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”<\/p>\n Players are wearing t-shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us” during WNBA All-Star warmups pic.twitter.com\/7xIB68s4Ku<\/a><\/p>\n