A'ja Wilson Sends Blunt 3-Word Message on WNBA CBA Negotiation Mindset

WNBA players and the league are currently negotiating the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). A meeting held in Indianapolis right before the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend gained significant attention due to the presence of over 40 players.

The meeting reportedly did not go well, leading All-Star players to wear shirts reading "Pay Us What You Owe Us" while warming up before the July 19 All-Star Game. These shirts went viral, turning the CBA negotiations into a major topic in sports and pop culture media.

Las Vegas Aces star and reigning MVP A'ja Wilson, who wore the shirt, discussed her mindset during the negotiations on a Boardroom podcast. She stated the players are "standing on business," emphasizing that players recognize the WNBA as a business and brand, see the increasing revenue, and demand fair compensation for the product they provide.

Wilson stressed the importance of players standing together to help the league progress. She described the current moment as crucial, stating, "This is our moment to... stand on business and what we've been working so hard on, to get our demands." She asserted the players are "putting the pressure on" the league during these tense negotiations, indicating their unwillingness to relent.