News Summary
During the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, players showcased a united front advocating for higher salaries by wearing shirts stating, ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us.’ Fans voiced their support with chants. The game also highlighted notable performances, including Napheesa Collier setting a new All-Star record with 36 points and Skylar Diggins achieving the first triple-double in the event’s history. As ongoing CBA negotiations loom, the All-Star Game served as both a celebration of talent and a platform for salary equity awareness in women’s sports.
Indianapolis – WNBA players made a strong stance for higher salaries during the annual All-Star Game held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025. The athletes wore black shirts emblazoned with the message: “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” clearly signaling their desire for increased compensation in upcoming collective bargaining agreements (CBA). Fans joined the movement, chanting “pay them” during warm-ups and when MVP Napheesa Collier received her award, emphasizing a united front between players and supporters.
Two days prior to the game, players engaged with WNBA officials in CBA negotiations, expressing disappointment over the lack of significant progress regarding salary issues. In light of these negotiations, the All-Star Game served not only as a showcase of talent but also as a platform for the players to voice their demands for equitable pay. The event saw Team Collier narrowly defeating Team Clark with a score of 151-130.
Napheesa Collier further made headlines by setting a new All-Star Game record with 36 points, a significant milestone that overtook previous scoring records in the event’s history. Additionally, Skylar Diggins achieved the first triple-double in WNBA All-Star Game history with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists, marking a significant achievement in the league’s competitive landscape.
Notably, rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was unable to participate due to a groin injury but actively supported her team from the sidelines. The excitement of the All-Star Game drew record attendance, with 16,988 fans present, showcasing a growing interest in women’s basketball.
ESPN analyst Dick Vitale has expressed public support for the WNBA players, labeling them as “underpaid” and advocating for salary increases, especially given the league’s expansion and growth over recent years. This sentiment aligns with the players’ ongoing struggle for better pay and recognition within the sport. The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse also featured entertaining moments beyond the game itself, including a lively halftime performance by GloRilla, engaging the crowd with her popular hits.
The event was further enriched by the dramatic skills challenge, where Natasha Cloud emerged victorious, and Sabrina Ionescu won the coveted three-point contest. These performances contributed to a festive environment as the players displayed their athletic capabilities.
The WNBA invested in community engagement by showcasing extensive signage and promotional materials throughout Indianapolis in the lead-up to the All-Star event. Players also took advantage of modern technology by broadcasting behind-the-scenes moments of the All-Star festivities on Twitch, offering fans a deeper connection to the players and the experiences within the league.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert described the recent CBA negotiation meeting as “constructive,” although players conveyed their concerns about the actual outcomes. The blending of entertainment and serious discussions regarding salary negotiations highlighted the dual purpose of the All-Star Game, as it not only celebrated the accomplishments of talented athletes but also addressed the pressing issue of fair compensation in women’s sports.
The All-Star Game in Indianapolis emerged as a pivotal moment for the WNBA, demonstrating both the substantial increase in visibility for the league and the players’ relentless determination to advocate for fair pay and equitable treatment across the board. As the season progresses, the spotlight remains on the players, their union efforts, and the aspirations they hold for a more secure and equitably compensated future within the league.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: WNBA All-Star Game Winners & Losers
- ESPN: WNBA All-Star Game 2025 Predictions and Analysis
- IndyStar: WNBA All-Star Game Viewing Information
- Billboard: GloRilla’s Halftime Show at the WNBA All-Star Game
- Fox News: Controversy During WNBA All-Star Broadcast
- Wikipedia: WNBA All-Star Game
- Google Search: WNBA Salary Negotiations
- Google Scholar: WNBA Player Salaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Google News: WNBA All-Star Game 2025
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
