WNBA stars tipped for massive wage increase in dream scenario after 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' protest

WNBA stars are in line for a major salary boost increase after their protest before the All-Star game.

Before the game last weekend, players warmed up on the court wearing black t-shirts, with the message 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' printed in white.

Under the existing WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are entitled to a quarter of the league's profits each year, provided the WNBA meets its revenue targets.

According to IndyStar, that translates to a maximum of around $250,000 per year for some players, while rookies typically start at $72,000.

It is a sharp contrast to the NBA, where players receive half of the league's revenue, regardless of targets being met.

But the WNBA and the players' association, known as the WNBPA, are currently locked in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.

Although the existing deal was meant to run for another two years, in October they decided to terminate it early.

WNBA star Brittney Sykes. Image: Steph Chambers / Staff via Getty

How close are they to a new agreement?

Negotiations recently hit a stumbling block, which provoked the T-shirt process before the All-Star game.

But prior to that, ESPN reported that WNBA stars were set to pocket a huge pay rise.

The last renegotiation in 2020 saw the maximum salaries for stars jump from $117,500 to $215,000.

This was alongside a more than 30% increase in the salary cap from $996,100 per team to $1.3m.

And larger increases are expected this time, thanks to growth in the WNBA's revenue streams.

Back in May, a source from one team told ESPN that he believed it was possible that maximum salaries could reach $1 million.

This would represent approximately a 300% increase on the current mark.

If such a change was made, the salary cap would also be expected to rise to the $4 million to $5 million mark.

Angel Reese. Image: Steph Chambers / Staff via Getty

What have WNBA stars said?

Angel Reese was one of the players who wore t-shirts before the weekend's game.

She made headlines in 2024 in an interview with ESPN, where she said her $73,000 salary did not cover her $8,000 monthly rent, which amounted to $96,000 per year.

Reese said: "I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all.

“I don’t even think that pays one of my bills, [the salary] isn't enough to pay my car note, I wouldn’t even be able to eat, I wouldn’t be able to live

"I'm living beyond my means!"