Dwyane Wade backs WNBA athletes after their statement at the All-Star Game.
Dwyane Wade Sends Strong Message About Caitlin Clark, WNBA Players’ Protest originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
One of the biggest storylines coming out of this past weekend’s WNBA All-Star Game was about the powerful message sent before tip-off. As players took the court, many were seen rocking T-shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” a bold nod to the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations and the growing call for better pay.
The moment sparked plenty of conversation, and now NBA legend Dwyane Wade has weighed in with a message that’s making waves of its own.
On a recent podcast, Wade shared his thoughts on the statement made by the players and how it will have a ripple effect for future generations. He said, “The generation before you, they go through a lot to put on eventually for you. If you look at the WNBA women right now, they are talking about themselves, ultimately knowing that some people in the league today will not get a chance to experience what the league will eventually be.”
Wade backed the WNBA players who wore the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts, including stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, saying their message was more than fair. He pointed out that unlike today’s NBA stars, who weren’t around to witness the league’s early struggles, everyone is watching the WNBA grow in real time.
He gave a shoutout to his close friend, Candace Parker, saying players like her didn’t have the support or resources today’s athletes enjoy. It’s because of legends like her that the current generation is finally starting to see progress, and Wade believes that deserves real recognition and respect.
He also stated that the good that will come out of the CBA negotiations will benefit the current players as well as the players who will join the league in the next decade or so.
Related: WNBA Makes Historic Angel Reese Announcement on Tuesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
