This year’s WNBA All-Star Game promised to captivate audiences, with format changes — and a cast of characters with boundless shooting range —taking center stage in Indianapolis.
Yet, the pregame portion of Saturday's match brought the league's contractual dispute with its players into full focus.
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.
MORE: Everything to know about potential WNBA work stoppage in 2026
"This business is booming," the WNBPA declared in a statement. "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.
"It's not complicated."
The supernovas who trotted onto Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night made their thoughts on the WNBA's actions — or lack thereof — crystal clear with a gesture (and wardrobe choice) like few others.
Here's what you need to know.
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WNBA's 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts, explained
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."
Players are wearing t-shirts that read "Pay Us What You Owe Us" during WNBA All-Star warmups pic.twitter.com/7xIB68s4Ku
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 20, 2025
The statement was a poignant one, affirming that the league and its gang of owners were unwilling to shell out funds to those who make the sport what it is.
The current CBA agreement is believed to be owner-friendly, with revenue sharing believed to be in ownership's favor. Players are looking to level the playing field, particularly as funds sweep into the game.
With Unrivaled proving a successful venture for players and sponsors alike, hope springs eternal that players can fight for serious concessions in the coming few months. If not, they could withhold their labor, joining other notable sports "work stoppages" like the 1994 MLB strike, 2004-05 NHL lockout, and 2011-12 NBA lockout.
The player's gesture proved a popular one among those who pooled into the Gainbridge Fieldhouse concourses on Saturday night. After the game concluded, fans serenaded the All-Stars with a "Pay the Players" chant.
It’s the crowd at the end of the WNBA All Star Game chanting “Pay Them” in regards to the players! pic.twitter.com/s0BaXEskyo
— Queer Latifah 🥂 (@TheAfrocentricI) July 20, 2025
Mystics star Brittney Sykes brought the point home by parading around a "Pay the Players" sign during Napheesa Collier's All-Star Game MVP interview.
Brittney Sykes with a “pay the players” sign as All-Star MVP Napheesa Collier did her on-court post game interview. pic.twitter.com/o7z0HxnYWZ
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) July 20, 2025
All told, the moment was a notable one in a spectacle filled with highlights. Sparks standout Kelsey Plum explained that the decision to don the shirts was conjured up on Saturday morning.
"It was just all of us getting on the same page before the game," Plum said. "We wanted to do something that was united and collected and I felt that it was a very powerful moment that got the point across."
Kelsey Plum says they were unaware that the crowd was going to chant “Pay the Players” tonight.
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) July 20, 2025
Also says the plan to wear the “Pay us what you owe us shirts” was hatched this morning by a meeting the players held. pic.twitter.com/KRNHSIq2T3
How to buy WNBPA's 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts
The WNBPA's "Pay Us What You Owe Us" pregame shirts can be purchased on BreakingT's website. The message can be placed on t-shirts, hoodies and V-necks and. T-shirts and hoodies are available in small, medium, large, extra large, 2XL and 3XL with prices ranging from $28 (youth tee) to $64 (hoodie).
Here's where you can find the pieces.