THE WNBA’S top stars including Caitlin Clark have sent a clear message to the league over their escalating pay dispute.
The two were locked in talks on Thursday over the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which runs through until the end of the 2025 season.
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However, they are understood to have gone disastrously, with players left outraged over the discussions which included a salary increase.
There are now fears there may be a lockout ahead, if the players fail to agree on fresh terms for the next campaign.
They then held a meeting on Saturday morning, where they decided to wear shirts to the WNBA All-Star game the next day.
And that message was clear for all to see on the black t-shirts during the warm-ups, with writing saying ‘pay us what you owe us’.
Clark was joined by the entire 24 All-Star roster in sending the defiant statement to the league, which has been widely supported.
Washington Mystics star Brittney Sykes held up a sign that read ‘pay the players’ following the game.
Meanwhile, the crowd also roared the same three-word message at the end of the tie while WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was talking.
All-Star captain Napheesa Collier insisted the players were taking the CBA battle “very seriously”.
“We have the most participation in league history. I think we had close to 40 players in our league meeting,” Collier said.
“I think it just sends a really strong message that we’re standing really firm on the certain areas that we feel really strongly about that we need to improve on.
“I think we got that message across.”
It is understood the WNBA are reluctant to give the players such a high pay rise along with larger share of the revenue.
It is hoped a deal will be struck before October, but any delays could affect the following season if talks aren’t completed.
“I think the meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the board of governors and that type of thing,” said New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart.
“But I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity. We could have really gotten into a deeper dive of everything.
“But there was a lot of fluff that we couldn’t get past, and it sucks because situations like that aren’t gonna happen again because players are playing for different teams and different league.
“This is the only time to have a group together like this.”
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was ruled out of the All-Star weekend through injury, but she was still there to coach and captain her side.
However her team were smashed 151-131 by Team Collier at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Yeah, I think for myself that was the best part of the meeting, being in the room and there’s over 40 other players in this league,” said Clark.
“I’m sure a lot more would have loved to be in there if they were in Indianapolis.
“And I think that’s the most powerful thing is all the girls from across the league just being in that room together, like she said, we should be paid more.
“And hopefully that’s the case moving forward as the league continues to grow.
“I think that’s something that’s probably the most important thing that we’re in the room advocating about.”
