In professional sports, most athletes toe the company line, careful not to ruffle feathers at the top. But every so often, a player’s candor cuts through the noise, capturing the frustration of a generation and forcing the powers that be to listen. That’s exactly what happened when Phoenix Mercury forward Sophie Cunningham took direct aim at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, declaring, “You can just tell Cathy to pay us, and then we can have a discussion.”

Cunningham’s statement, delivered during a media session this season, was more than a quip. It was a rallying cry—a raw, public airing of the grievances shared by many WNBA players who believe their compensation lags far behind both their male counterparts and the league’s own surging popularity. The message was clear: before talking about the structure of the season, travel improvements, or any other reforms, the league must address the fundamental issue of fair pay.

A League at a Crossroads

The WNBA has enjoyed a remarkable surge in recent years. With electrifying new stars, record-breaking viewership, and sold-out arenas, the league is enjoying a moment in the spotlight unlike any in its history. Social media buzzes with highlights, and mainstream sports outlets are finally giving women’s basketball its due. Yet, as the league’s profile rises, so does scrutiny of its financial model—especially how much of the league’s success is actually reaching the players themselves.

For years, WNBA salaries have been a point of contention. While the league’s minimum and maximum salaries have increased in recent collective bargaining agreements, the numbers still pale in comparison to the NBA and even to the expectations of many fans. The average WNBA salary hovers around $120,000, with top stars earning up to $242,000—not insignificant, but modest compared to the millions earned by NBA players, even those coming off the bench.

Cunningham’s comments came during a discussion about the league’s 44-game regular season and whether the current schedule is optimal for players’ health and the league’s growth. Rather than focus on the number of games or travel logistics, Cunningham zeroed in on what she and many of her peers consider the root issue: “Just pay us what we’re worth, and then we’ll talk.”

The Players’ Perspective: Value Beyond the Court

For Cunningham and her colleagues, the call for higher pay is about more than just a bigger paycheck. It’s about respect, recognition, and a sense that their sacrifices and contributions are truly valued. WNBA players endure grueling schedules, intense training regimens, and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level. Many also play overseas during the offseason just to supplement their income—a reality that brings its own risks and challenges.

The frustration is magnified by the league’s recent growth. With television ratings climbing and merchandise sales booming—thanks in large part to stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart—players see the league’s rising fortunes and wonder why their paychecks don’t reflect that success.

“We’re the ones filling the seats, we’re the ones making the highlights, and we’re the ones growing the game,” Cunningham said in a follow-up interview. “It’s time for that to show up in our contracts.”

A League-Wide Sentiment

Cunningham’s outspokenness is hardly unique. Across the league, players have become increasingly vocal about the need for a new approach to revenue sharing and salary structure. The timing is critical: the WNBA and its players’ union are currently negotiating the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and compensation is front and center in those talks.

Players are pushing for a larger share of league revenue, improved travel conditions, and greater investment in marketing and facilities. They argue that as the league’s financial pie grows, their slice should, too.

“There’s a sense that we’re at a tipping point,” said one veteran player who asked to remain anonymous. “If the league really wants to be seen as a top-tier professional sport, it has to treat its athletes like top-tier professionals.”

The Commissioner’s Challenge

Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA’s commissioner since 2019, has overseen much of the league’s recent growth. She’s credited with negotiating a landmark CBA in 2020 that raised salaries and introduced new maternity benefits, among other reforms. But players and advocates say those steps, while important, are only the beginning.

Engelbert faces the daunting task of balancing the league’s financial realities—many WNBA teams still operate at a loss—with the legitimate demands of her players. The league is investing in expansion, marketing, and growing its audience, but players say those investments must also include them.

Cunningham’s blunt message—“Tell Cathy to pay us”—puts the commissioner squarely in the spotlight. How she responds will shape not only the next CBA, but the league’s reputation among fans, sponsors, and future stars.

More Than Money: The Fight for Respect

At its core, the push for higher pay is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about athletes demanding that their work, talent, and impact be valued on par with their male counterparts. It’s about ensuring that the young girls who look up to WNBA stars see a viable, rewarding future in professional basketball.

Cunningham’s comments also highlight the connection between compensation and performance. She pointed out that true consistency and excellence on the court are only possible when players feel secure and respected off it. “If you want us to give our best every night, you have to show us that we matter,” she said.

The Road Ahead

The coming months will be pivotal for the WNBA. As CBA negotiations intensify, the league must decide whether to embrace the demands of its players or risk alienating the very athletes who are driving its success. Fans, sponsors, and media are watching closely.

For Cunningham and the rest of the WNBA’s stars, the message is clear: the time for incremental change has passed. As the league basks in unprecedented attention and growth, it must also deliver on the promise of equity and respect for its players.

Will Cathy Engelbert and the league’s owners rise to the occasion? Or will Cunningham’s call to “just pay us” echo unanswered through another season? The answer may well determine the WNBA’s legacy for years to come.