WNBA players appeared to take aim at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark after wearing “Pay Us What You Owe Us” T-shirts during the All-Star Game on Saturday night. The shirts were a symbol of ongoing negotiations with the league over a new collective bargaining agreement.
WNBA stars Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu seemed taken aback by their own teammate’s comments, suggesting they had no prior knowledge about the T-shirt’s design or message. However, some players, including Breanna Stewart, expressed frustration that the meeting was not more productive.
The issue comes as Clark has been credited with boosting interest in the WNBA and surging TV ratings. Last year, the league lost $40 million, but a new media rights deal worth $2.2 billion is set to launch in 2026. Players are pushing for better pay and benefits in upcoming negotiations.
“We could have really gotten into a deeper dive of everything,” said Breanna Stewart, calling the meeting a “wasted opportunity.” Clark’s star power has likely made her a target for some players, who feel underpaid and overlooked. However, others defend Clark as the best guard in the league, citing her impressive numbers and media presence.
Source: https://www.nj.com/sports/2025/07/caitlin-clark-catches-stray-from-wnba-star-out-of-nowhere.html