Before the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, players from Team Caitlin Clark and Team Napheesa Collier hit the floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse wearing shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”
The message was clear. With CBA negotiations still unresolved, the players are putting pressure on the league — even threatening a possible lockout if no deal is reached.
Fans inside the arena applauded the silent protest, but not everyone bought into the message. On Monday’s Fearless podcast, Jason Whitlock and co-host Steve Kim shared their thoughts — and didn’t hold back.
Steve Kim argued that the shirts brought more attention than any WNBA All-Star Game in recent memory — but not necessarily for the right reasons.
“When they came out with the shirt, I will give them this — it’s the most buzz a WNBA All-Star Game has ever gotten,” said Kim. “Pay us what you owe us. Do you notice how the wording was very interesting? Again, sense of entitlement — it’s not pay us what we are worth.”
Kim also questioned how committed players are to taking a real stand, referencing MLB legend Curt Flood.
“The players have said, ‘we will sit out, this is not a bluff,’ and most of America says ‘let’s hope so.’ I think this is going to be a fascinating debate over how willing these ladies are to be their version of Curt Flood.”
“They’re Owed Very Little. They’ve Been Living Off Of Entitlement And Charity”: Caitlin Clark, WNBA Players ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ Protest Has Reality Check From Jason Whitlock
Jason Whitlock, who often challenges mainstream sports narratives, sided with Steve Kim and said the league’s stars may be overestimating their value and also disregarding Caitlin Clark’s massive contributions to their cause.
“They want to be paid what they’re owed. I think they are owed very little. They’ve been living off of entitlement and charity,” said Whitlock.
Kim added another jab at the league’s overall branding.
“Once again, I’m gonna echo something I’ve said many times. I’ve never seen a league or a culture that is as unlikable as the WNBA from top to bottom.”
In their view, the WNBA’s spotlight right now is mostly thanks to Caitlin Clark — and any disruption could risk losing what momentum the league currently has.
For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at papadanph@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
