While the conversation around pay equity in women’s sports has been heating up for years, two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart has been a force for change since her debut season in the league.
“I’m trying to understand why we, as professional female athletes, don’t receive anywhere near the fame,” she said in her 2016 ESPYs award acceptance speech for Athlete of the Year.
Stewart — one of FN’s cover stars for August, along with A’ja Wilson — continues to fight for more equal pay, a cause she championed most recently in the documentary “Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story.”
“We [need as much] help as possible for moms in this league. There are a lot of babies, which is really cool, but we need to make sure that we have all the help and benefits that we need,” she said.
At a critical moment, the athlete and other players are evaluating their collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which began in the 2020 season and runs through 2027. “We’re at a pivotal time because we have the opportunity to stay in the current CBA or opt out after the season,” Stewart explained.
One big bargaining point: The addition of pensions, which would give retired players a financial boost after they stop playing. “It’s a way to give back to the ones that got us to this point,” Stewart said.
The WNBA leader also wants to open new doors for her peers.
Along with fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier, Stewart is promoting Unrivaled, a new three-on-three women’s basketball league the pair cofounded that will feature 30 of the sport’s best players.
Set to debut in January 2025 during the WNBA offseason, Unrivaled — which has attracted high-profile media and sports investors — will offer players six-figure salaries, as well as equity in the league. It also makes it possible for players to stay in the U.S. in the off-season rather than compete overseas, where the salaries are often better than in the WNBA.
“This is amazing — a league where people are home, but in a different city than normal WNBA markets,” Stewart said. “When you go overseas and have kids, you miss out on a lot. You’re also not being seen by the fans or your peers. This will make sure you stay relevant in the months the WNBA is not happening.”
For the August issue, FN profiled two of the WNBA’s most influential and beloved stars: A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart. The two spoke about activism, signature shoes and being role models for generations of female athletes to come.
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
