Los Angeles Sparks All-Star Kelsey Plum recently stole the spotlight when she shared her thoughts following the WNBA All-Star Game, shedding light on some important behind-the-scenes dynamics. As a member of Team Napheesa Collier, Plum revealed that not all players were on the same page during the pre-game preparations for a significant gesture: a unified stance on the ongoing compensation discussions within the league.
During the postgame press conference, Plum recounted how, prior to the game, both teams came together to plan an impactful message. They decided to don warm-up shirts featuring the phrase: “Pay us what you owe us.” This was a powerful moment that took everyone by surprise, reinforcing the unity of purpose amid the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Plum stated, “It was a very powerful moment. As players, we didn’t know that that was going to happen. It was a genuine surprise,” highlighting the chorus of fans chanting “pay them” while WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke on the court after the game.
Plum had a lighthearted but pointed moment when she noted, “Not to tattletale, but zero members of Team Clark were very present for that.” This comment drew laughter from her fellow player, Liberty All-Star Sabrina Ionescu, who sat beside her during the media session and appeared taken aback by Plum’s candidness. Ionescu responded with a hint of sarcasm, saying, “That really needed to be mentioned,” which only added to the camaraderie on display.
As Plum dished out her playful critique, she reinforced the broader message that the players were aiming for a unified front. “I think it was just all of us getting on the page before the game, and we wanted to do something that was just united and collective,” she explained. “I thought that was a very powerful moment, and it got the point across. And sometimes, you don’t have to say anything.”
While Caitlin Clark, the star player of Team Clark, was present throughout the weekend festivities, she missed the game due to a groin injury. Nonetheless, both teams warmed up donning the striking black shirts emblazoned with “Pay us what you owe us,” a visual message underscoring the players’ desire for fair compensation as they engage in negotiations for more equitable salaries.
Napheesa Collier spoke to the heart of the issue as well, emphasizing the disparity in earnings: “We get a very tiny percentage of all the money that’s made through the WNBA, which obviously is made through the entertainment we provide. So we want a fair and reasonable percentage of that.”
In moments like these, the solidarity among players not only highlights pressing issues in professional sports but also showcases the power of collective action. As the league evolves, the players’ push for equitable treatment is resonating, and this All-Star weekend, with its poignant gestures and heartfelt messages, is a testament to their dedication and drive for change.
