“We’re trying to create change for all women’s basketball players.” That’s Napheesa Collier’s aim for Unrivaled. About a month and a half in, the players could give an account of that transpiring. The first-of-its-kind salary benefits, facilities from saunas to childcare, or even the shared space making for loud hallways and large dinners– it’s been a successful opening with nods from most involved. But if you were to ask the players what they’d want Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA to take, one thing stands out per Natasha Howard’s words.
The W commissioner showed up at the new 3×3 league Monday night and the players didn’t waste a second making their voices heard! Leading the charge was Natasha Cloud, who kicked things off by saying, “We want our money and we want it now. In my ten years in the W, we’ve grown so much, but still have room to grow… Just prioritize the players.”
She was quickly joined in by Alisha Gray who took to X to say, “@T_Cloud4 my friend went JG Wentworth on em lol”
If you’re wondering what she meant, she’s referring to that iconic JG Wentworth commercial jingle, where people yell, “It’s my money, and I need it now!” Fitting, right? WNBA players aren’t just asking for better pay, they’re demanding it! And honestly? Rightfully so!
@T_Cloud4 my friend went JG Wentworth on em lol https://t.co/c4BMShNWjN
— Allisha Gray (@Graytness_15) February 25, 2025
The W currently holds an average salary of $102,000 per year with players in their first two years averaging $64,154. For Unrivaled, the number is at $200,000 ($8 million dedicated to salary pool). The league of near-30 years has been made known the issue better than anyone. And with the 2024 season seeing a meteoric rise, it has only become a matter of urgency.
“This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” Women’s National Basketball Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike said as they opted out of CBA earlier last year. “Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come.”
With the new media deal, 6-times the value of the current one, set in, the possibility is inches close. The league and the players have one year to reach negotiations. It becomes necessary for W to comply or else Unrivaled is pulling ahead in the race.
Unrivaled giving players a better environment to develop
To be the best, you need the right environment, elite training facilities, top-tier rehab centers, and everything in between. Unrivaled is just hitting the mark. Their Miami facility has got everything an athlete needs, a dedicated practice court, a fully equipped weight room, a rehab center, and even a child care area.
Lexie Hull shed some light on the difference Unrivaled is making, saying, “I think just the amenities and the facilities that are provided for every single person here, top to bottom, everyone’s given exactly what they need to be the best basketball player they can be… That’s all we can hope for as a basketball player… and hopefully that can transition into the WNBA.”
It’s clear that players like Lexie want the right infrastructure in place to help them grow. And if you need proof of how the right environment can elevate a player, just look at Angel Reese! She just made Unrivaled history, becoming the first player to drop a 20-point – 20 rebound performance. Keep in mind that Reese has faced endless criticism for her shooting, but guess what? She’s putting in the work and showing signs of improvement.
W has a lot to address and paying the same percentage of revenue shared is one aspect players are asking to lock in on. By prioritizing fair compensation and top-tier resources, Cathy Englebert could see a cease to the demands.
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