Players' Association Discusses the Effects of Wearing 'Pay What You Owe Us' Jerseys
WNBA Players Use T-Shirts as a Platform for Change
In the world of professional basketball, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been making waves off the court with its players using T-shirts as a powerful tool to express their views on various social and labour issues.
During the 2020 season, members of the Atlanta Dream showed their support for Raphael Warnock's campaign against Kelly Loeffler, the team's then-majority owner, by donning T-shirts. This marked one of the earliest instances of WNBA players using their platform to make a political statement.
Fast forward to 2023, and players and coaches across the league have been wearing shirts in support of Brittney Griner, who was detained in Russia. This show of solidarity has been a common sight throughout the season.
The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has been instrumental in facilitating these player-driven initiatives. Erin D. Drake, the architect of the "Pay Us What You Owe Us" campaign, highlighted the union's role in preparing for when their players want to take action.
The "Pay Us What You Owe Us" campaign began with T-shirts worn by WNBA players during the All-Star Game warm-ups in Indianapolis in July. The T-shirts, made available for purchase, were a significant hit, with Drake noting that they are very popular. The proceeds from the sales went directly to the players themselves.
Drake emphasised the impact of the T-shirts in the context of social media, stating that a picture can speak a thousand words. This was particularly evident during the All-Star Game, where the T-shirts were very impactful.
In the past, WNBA players have used T-shirts to demand accountability following high-profile shootings, such as those in Minnesota in 2016. The players also wore shirts with the message "Say Her Name" during the bubble season of 2020, after the shooting of Breonna Taylor.
Most recently, the players wore orange shirts in support of Everytown for Gun Safety as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Terri Carmichael Jackson, WNBPA executive director, praised Drake during a keynote conversation at Sportico's RISE event. Drake, in her interview at the same event, mentioned that the All-Star Game provided an opportunity for players to speak about their feelings, particularly after a negotiation session on July 17.
Kelly Loeffler, the Republican nominee who sold her Dream stake in 2021, was the initial recipient of the players' support in 2020. Despite her departure, the WNBA's commitment to using their platform for social change remains unwavering.
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