WNBA Players Utilize Influence Through Social Media in Labour Discussions
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is currently engaged in intense labor negotiations, with the players' union, the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), demanding improved salaries, working conditions, and revenue sharing. The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of surging popularity and commercial opportunities for the league, even as most teams continue to operate at a loss.
The WNBPA is leveraging public support to negotiate their next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This support was evident during the 2025 All-Star Game when the league's top players wore T-shirts with the slogan "Pay Us What You Owe Us," which became a top trending search in the U.S. related to the WNBA. Thousands of fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse chanted "Pay them! Pay them!" during the presentation.
Hal Biagas, former National Basketball Players Association deputy general counsel, stated that public engagement can be an effective leverage point, but its success depends on how much people stay engaged with the CBA saga. The visibility drawn from the players' actions fosters a broader conversation supporting the players' cause, drawing attention from fans, media, and political figures.
The players' union, led by executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson and president Nneka Ogwumike, remain optimistic about the state of labor talks despite their frustration. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul believes that the players' union representation is the key factor for making real progress in CBA negotiations.
However, the league's initial proposals have been criticized by the union as inadequate and far from the players' expectations. David Berri, a sports economist and Southern Utah University professor, states that negotiating with the NBA behind closed doors has historically led to concessions for the players.
The players, including WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark, who is making a base salary of $78,066 this season, find this remuneration low compared to other professional athletes. The decision to wear "Pay Us What You Owe Us" T-shirts was well-received at the arena but received mixed reactions on social media.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert suggests that extensions can be made before the Oct. 31 deadline. Despite this, the players remain vocal that they're being lowballed in negotiations, and the WNBA's progressive fanbase feels it's unjust. Some draw a parallel to broader gender issues in America such as the wage gap.
However, a potential lockout could backfire on the union at a time when fan interest and investment is at an all-time high. The players, including Angel Reese, are willing to go into a work stoppage to secure an equitable accord, but a lockout could alienate fans and potentially harm the league's growing popularity.
The intricacies of the negotiations, including fixed rate salaries, escalator clauses, and collectively defining the difference between team and league revenue, are not publicly disclosed. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the WNBA, its players, and its fans, and will set a precedent for future negotiations in women's professional sports.
- Sports economist David Berri suggests that negotiating with the NBA behind closed doors has historically led to concessions for players, likening it to the players' current CBA negotiations with the WNBA.
- The players' union, including WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark, claim that their remuneration is low compared to other professional athletes, with Clark making a base salary of $78,066 this season.
- The players are willing to go into a work stoppage to secure an equitable accord, but a potential lockout could alienate fans and potentially harm the league's growing popularity, making it a risky strategy, especially when fan interest and investment is at an all-time high.
