The WNBA’s Bold Protest: A Case of Premature Action or a Necessary Step?

Before we dive into today’s video, don’t forget to hit like and subscribe! Yes, today we’re talking about the WNBA. And no, it’s not because one of their players eye-gouged Caitlin Clark or shoved her to the ground, even though Clark is, quite literally, the star of the WNBA right now. She’s the only reason we’re talking about the league, to be honest. But today’s conversation is centered around a recent move that raised some eyebrows: WNBA players wearing t-shirts reading “Pay us what you owe us” during warm-ups before an All-Star game.

Ironically, the very All-Star game they were protesting about turned out to be lackluster, and I’m not speaking from firsthand experience because, to be frank, I refuse to watch the WNBA. It’s just not something that interests me. And that’s part of the reason we’re having this conversation in the first place—about whether they’re truly owed more money in the first place.

Is It the Right Time for a Public Protest?

Let’s break this down. I can think of very few situations where it makes sense to boldly and publicly protest an employer in the middle of negotiations, especially when we’re talking about the WNBA—a league that’s not turning a profit. The league has been operating at a loss, with last season’s deficit reaching $40 million. Yet, in 2025, they’re positioning themselves as some sort of movement leaders.

Now, I get it—there’s growing attention on women’s sports, especially with players like Caitlin Clark generating a massive buzz. But that doesn’t make this sudden move for a pay raise seem justified, especially when the WNBA is still dependent on the NBA, which owns 42% of the league. They’re not exactly swimming in profit yet.

Yes, the WNBA has seen record viewership, sold-out stadiums, and a surge in merchandise sales, and Caitlin Clark is bringing in brand deals like never before. She’s on private jets, making big waves. But is that enough to justify wearing t-shirts on the court demanding payment increases? I don’t think so, not yet at least.

Caitlin Clark: The Real Game-Changer

The reality is that Caitlin Clark is the one driving all of this new attention toward the WNBA. Without her, I’m not sure the league would be enjoying these high numbers in viewership and merchandise sales. If anyone deserves to wear a shirt that says “Pay us what you owe us,” it’s her. Yet, here we are, with WNBA players wearing the t-shirts and taking credit for this newfound success.

In a clip, Kelsey Plum spoke about the t-shirt protest and threw a rather uncalled-for dig at Clark. She mentioned how players were caught off guard by the protest and noted that “zero members of team Clark were very present for that.” That comment didn’t make sense, especially when Caitlin Clark was out on the court wearing the same t-shirt as everyone else. It’s clear Clark is the driving force behind the increased attention, and yet, Plum and others can’t seem to acknowledge that fact.

A Premature Protest?

Here’s where it gets tricky. Protesting publically and demanding pay before even proving the league can turn a consistent profit feels premature. I’m all for fair compensation, but there’s something about this protest that seems out of sync with the reality of the WNBA’s financial state. It’s not the right moment for such a bold statement. Maybe the players should earn their stripes, and perhaps the league needs to prove it can sustain itself financially before asking for higher pay.

Currently, they’re getting better accommodations, flying private, and seeing an increase in exposure. If that’s not a step in the right direction, I don’t know what is. Maybe before pushing for a salary increase, they should focus on maintaining that upward trajectory.

The Challenge of Feminism and Professionalism in 2025

This protest isn’t just about pay—it’s symbolic of a larger issue. It reflects a certain attitude in the way movements are being co-opted in today’s world. It’s hard not to see this as emblematic of how modern feminism sometimes overlooks the reality of the situation. Just because a league is gaining attention doesn’t mean it’s ready to make a bold, financial move.

There are players like Caitlin Clark who have shown what it takes to truly elevate a league. Instead of tearing each other down, why not look for the next Caitlin Clark, the next player who can drive the league into greater profitability? That’s the real key to the future of women’s basketball—driving success both on and off the court.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity?

Ultimately, I think the WNBA will eventually become profitable. I truly do. But the league needs to focus on its long-term sustainability, not just react prematurely to short-term success. This protest, while well-meaning, could have been better timed. Instead of throwing out demands, they need to take a step back, prove they’re worth it, and then move forward.

As I said earlier, Caitlin Clark is the only one who really deserves to wear that t-shirt at this moment. Maybe Angel Reese is another player worth mentioning, but that’s for another time. What’s important is that we don’t let this form of protest distract from the true path to success—one that involves proving your worth both on the court and through solid, profitable business practices.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think the WNBA players deserve a pay increase? If so, how much? Do you think the league can ever turn a profit? As always, let’s keep this conversation respectful. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with every new video. Thanks for tuning in!