Last night, WNBA rookie sensation Angel Reese turned heads before the opening tip-off — and it wasn’t just for her play. The Chicago Sky star arrived courtside wearing a bold, all-caps shirt that read: “WE DESERVE NBA MONEY”, instantly sparking conversations across the sports world.

Reese isn’t just calling for incremental raises or minor adjustments to the current pay scale — she’s aiming far higher. According to league insiders, she’s been privately and publicly advocating for the WNBA to start its next round of collective bargaining negotiations with a target that matches NBA-level contract money. Her stance is clear: real investment and real respect are long overdue.

“It’s time to send a clear message to the league,” Reese declared.

Her timing is strategic. With CBA negotiations currently stalled, the WNBA’s financial model is once again under the microscope. The league’s average salary hovers around $120,000, with supermax contracts topping out at roughly $250,000 — a fraction of the NBA’s minimum salary for rookies, which exceeds $1 million. Reese’s public statement highlights the growing frustration among players who believe the league’s rising popularity, increased media coverage, and surging ticket sales should translate into significantly larger paychecks.

Off the court, Reese has already proven to be one of the league’s biggest draws, both in merchandise sales and social media influence. Her presence in the WNBA has coincided with a noticeable spike in attendance, TV ratings, and sponsor interest. Now she’s using that spotlight to fuel a larger movement — one that’s bound to challenge the league’s leadership and ignite debates among fans, analysts, and executives.

Whether the league sees her call as an inspiring push for equality or an unrealistic opening demand, one thing is certain: Angel Reese has made it impossible to ignore the conversation about WNBA pay. And with more stars rallying behind the message, the next chapter of the league’s labor negotiations just got a lot more intense.

Caitlin Clark Shares ‘Incredibly Sad’ Announcement About Missing WNBA All-Star Game

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark shared a message about the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.

Jul 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts on the bench after a play against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Jul 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts on the bench after a play against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

As soon as Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark suffered a groin injury during her team’s July 15 game against the Connecticut Sun, her status for this upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend (which is taking place at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena) was thrown up in the air.

And Clark made an announcement about her decision on July 17, which was conveyed through the Fever’s X account.

“I’m so excited for Indy to host WNBA All-Star this weekend. I want to thank the Indianapolis Host Committee and all of the people that have put endless work in over the past year to put this event together. I know this will be the best All-Star yet,” her announcement read.

“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-point contest of the All Star Game. I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win.

“Can’t wait to see you all out there!” Clark’s announcement concluded.

Ultimately, most fans would surely agree that it makes the most sense for Clark to not compete in the All-Star Game or the three-point contest (both of which she was slated to participate in) if she isn’t feeling 100%, given it’s more important that she’s healthy for the Fever’s run toward the playoffs.

Regardless, this is surely an extremely tough announcement for Clark to make, as she was going to be the main attraction of this All-Star Weekend.