The WNBA All-Star Weekend delivered more than just elite basketball-it sparked a viral protest that continues to echo across the league. Amid ongoing salary negotiations, Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham has added her voice to the growing movement with a direct message aimed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
With talks between the league and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) stalled, All-Star Game participants-including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese-took to the court on Saturday sporting T-shirts emblazoned with the message: “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”
The recent surge in popularity and success of the WNBA has fueled speculation that the league may expand its current 44-game schedule. But with salary concerns hanging in the balance, Cunningham didn’t mince words when asked about it.
Cunningham’s message to Engelbert
“Yeah, you can just tell Cathy to pay us, and then we can have a discussion,” Cunningham declared at a press conference following the Fever’s latest practice. Though she didn’t play in the All-Star Game, her statement made the players’ position crystal clear.
Cunningham also addressed the physical toll the demanding schedule takes on players-especially those chosen for All-Star Weekend.
“They need to find a way to give us a little bit more of a break,” she said. “Kelsey [Mitchell], Aliyah [Boston], and Caitlin [Clark] never really got any rest.”
“Treat the stars better”
Although Clark sat out the game due to injury, Cunningham highlighted the relentless pace faced by the league’s top talent.
“They still had to go to practice. They had to do all that. These are the top players in our league. That’s what All-Star is all about, right?”
She urged the WNBA to take better care of its stars, adding, “You want to give them a break so you can get a good product on the court. I think the league could find two extra days for us just to relax and sleep.”
The message has landed. Now it’s up to Engelbert and league leadership to respond.
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