WNBA All-Stars Make Statement with Warmup Shirts over CBA

Introduction to the Statement

The WNBA All-Stars wanted to send a clear message to the league on the game’s brightest stage. All of the players on Team Clark and Team Collier warmed up for Saturday night’s WNBA All-Star Game in shirts that read “Pay us what you owe us.”

Reason Behind the Statement

“We get a very tiny percentage of all the money that’s made through the WNBA, which obviously is made through the entertainment we provide,” said Napheesa Collier on the decision to wear the shirts. “So we want a fair and reasonable percentage of that.” The idea was hatched Saturday morning at a players meeting.

Background on CBA Negotiations

The demonstration comes after the players and the league failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement at an in-person meeting Thursday. The league’s players opted out of their last CBA in October, and are looking for a better revenue-sharing model, increased salaries, improved benefits and a softer salary cap.

Potential Consequences

After the failed negotiations, many players said there was a large discrepancy between what they wanted and what the league was offering. If a new CBA is not reached by October, some players, including All-Stars Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese, have mentioned the potential of a walkout.

Fan Support

At the end of the game, chants of “Pay them!” broke out in the arena. Some fans held signs that read “Pay the players,” during the game. “We had no idea that they were in solidarity with our demonstration,” said Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA. “I’ve been hearing it all weekend at the fan events, supporting us and wanting us to get our fair share of the value.”

Future Actions

This was potentially the last time that so many players would be together in one place before the season ends — a fact not lost on the union leadership. “This is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness for what we’re doing and do it together,” Collier said. The players aren’t decided whether they’ll wear the shirts on their own teams over the course of the second half of the season, which begins Tuesday. They hope that fans will wear them as the union announced on social media during the game that the shirts were on sale.

Business Aspect

Ogwumike was unaware that the shirts were already on sale. “You put it out there, and you stand on business,” said Courtney Williams about the shirts. “And we’re standing on business.”

Liberty guard Marine Johannès discusses the early impact of Kobe and MJ, Steph Curry comparisons and what it means to rep New York in the W. WNBA reporter Khristina Williams goes one-on-one with the Olympic medalist.

Conclusion

The WNBA All-Stars’ statement with their warmup shirts is a significant move in their quest for better compensation and working conditions. With the support of their fans and their united front, they are making it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.

FAQs

• Q: What did the WNBA All-Stars wear during warmups?
  A: The WNBA All-Stars wore shirts that read “Pay us what you owe us” during warmups for the WNBA All-Star Game.
• Q: Why did the players wear these shirts?
  A: The players wore these shirts to make a statement about the need for a better collective bargaining agreement that includes fair compensation, increased salaries, and improved benefits.
• Q: What is the current status of the CBA negotiations?
  A: The players and the league failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, with a significant discrepancy between what the players want and what the league is offering.
• Q: What might happen if a new CBA is not reached by October?
  A: Some players have mentioned the potential of a walkout if a new CBA is not reached by October.
• Q: How can fans support the players?
  A: Fans can support the players by buying and wearing the “Pay us what you owe us” shirts, and by showing their support at games and on social media.