The WNBA All-Star Game turned into a platform for player activism when fans serenaded Commissioner Cathy Engelbert with boos and chants demanding higher pay. What started as a celebration of Napheesa Collier’s 36-point MVP performance quickly became a statement about the league’s future.
Why Did Players Encourage the Fan Protests?
Collier led from the front, winning MVP honors after scoring 36 points for her team in the All-Star game. Team Collier demolished Team Clark, winning 151-131.
The women entertained the fans, as they wanted the WNBA players to earn more than they were making. The crowd serenaded WNBA Commissioner Engelbert with boos during the trophy presentation ceremony.
“Thank you to the whole Indiana community and all those who flew in for this game. You fans are what make it worth it,” Engelbert opened her speech, applauding the fans.
However, the fans didn’t reciprocate the feeling, as they chanted, “Pay them more, pay them more” during her speech.
While the fans booed the WNBA Commissioner during her speech, Team Collier’s Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart urged them to shout their chants louder.
“PAY THEM! PAY THEM! PAY THEM!” pic.twitter.com/x5jVY4Y44R
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 20, 2025
Stewart had earlier expressed her dissatisfaction with the recent face-to-face collective bargaining meeting.
“I think yesterday’s meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the Board of Governors. But, I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity,” Stewart said.
What’s Behind the Revenue Dispute?
Revenue distribution is reportedly the primary source of disagreement. WNBA players get a share of less than 10% of the total revenue earned, while their NBA counterparts earn more than half.
The current CBA will expire on October 31 after the end of the 2024-25 season. However, Engelbert is confident they can reach an agreement amid player concerns.
“We had a productive meeting on Thursday with the WNBPA and the players,” Engelbert told reporters before the All-Star game.
“We’re engaged in constructive conversations. I remain confident that we’ll reach a new CBA, one that’s transformational for the players, teams, owners, and the future of our league,” she added.
The salary gap between NBA and WNBA players remains massive. For context, Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever is the highest paid in the 2024-25 season, with a salary of $249,244.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry will reportedly make $59,606,817 for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. Plus, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokić are set to make more or close to $55,000,000.
This isn’t the first time WNBA players have pushed for higher pay. Caitlin Clark did the same following the Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup victory over the Minnesota Lynx.
“We get more for [the Commissioner’s Cup] than you do if you’re a [WNBA] champion. Makes no sense. Someone tell Cathy to help us out,” Clark said.
The victory earned the Fever a $500,000 prize pool, which is ironically the prize pool of the entire WNBA playoffs.
