Dwyane Wade Speaks Out in Support of WNBA Players and Caitlin Clark Amid CBA Protest

One of the most talked-about moments from this past weekend’s WNBA All-Star Game wasn’t about the game itself, but the strong message players sent before tip-off. As they took the court, many stars — including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese — wore bold black T-shirts with the words “Pay Us What You Owe Us” printed across the front. The shirts were a clear call for fairer compensation and a better revenue-sharing model as part of the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the league.

The action sparked significant media buzz and fan discussion — and now, NBA legend Dwyane Wade has stepped into the conversation with powerful words of support.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Wade praised the players for using their platform to advocate not only for themselves but for future generations of athletes. “The generation before you, they go through a lot to put on eventually for you,” Wade said. “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 made it clear that he supports the message behind the protest, emphasizing that the players’ demands are not only fair but overdue. He pointed out that today’s NBA stars didn’t witness the league’s early struggles firsthand, but everyone is now watching the WNBA’s evolution in real time.

He also praised his longtime friend Candace Parker for being one of the pioneers who helped elevate the game. Wade highlighted that players like Parker didn’t have the same financial support, media exposure, or resources that today’s athletes — such as Clark and Reese — are beginning to receive. It’s thanks to that earlier generation’s sacrifices, he said, that progress is finally being made.

Importantly, Wade emphasized that the current fight isn’t just about present-day stars; it’s about shaping a better future for athletes to come. “The good that will come out of the CBA negotiations,” Wade explained, “will benefit the players today, but more importantly, the players who will be joining the league in the next 10 years.”

As WNBA players continue their campaign for greater investment and respect, having the public support of high-profile figures like Wade adds even more weight to the movement. And with the league at a cultural tipping point, fueled in part by the star power of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, Wade’s message is a reminder that meaningful change is often rooted in collective effort — and that it’s already well underway.