Shortly before tip-off of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, the players took the floor for warm-ups. Instead of their league-issued gear, they were wearing T-shirts with a clear message regarding their ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the league: "Pay us what you owe us.

As commisioner Cathy Engelbert spoke, players took the floor wearing shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, one of the WNBA All-Star Game's two team captains, joined in on the demonstration. Both teams wearing shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us” #WNBA pic.twitter.com/LB4LBAbPNr

Kelsey Plum felt compelled to make a subtle comment about the viral WNBA All-Star Game t-shirts directed toward Team Caitlin Clark.

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart told reporters on Friday that the players' meeting with the league to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday was a "wasted opportunity" and that there was "not really" any progress made.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert feels optimistic that the league and the players’ union will be able to come to a new collective bargaining agreement at some point, even if it’s after the end of October deadline.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed confidence in reaching a “transformational” CBA with players despite ongoing disagreements.

The league sits at the precipice of a pivotal financial fork in the road in the form of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The WNBA and its players boast enviable momentum and a great product. They can’t afford to squander those favorable conditions with squabbling and a work stoppage in 2026.