Nick Wright Slams Critics of WNBA Salary Protest
Nick Wright didn’t hold back. During the July 22 episode of What’s Wright? with Nick Wright, the outspoken sports host went scorched earth on those criticizing Caitlin Clark and other WNBA players for demanding better pay.
His passionate defense came just days after every player at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game wore black t-shirts reading “Pay Us What You Owe Us”, a bold statement in the middle of ongoing CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiations. The players are demanding significantly improved wages and a bigger slice of league revenue.
But not everyone agrees. Online critics quickly dismissed the protest, arguing that WNBA athletes don’t deserve raises because the league isn’t profitable. That rhetoric didn’t sit well with Wright.
Nick Wright: “Nobody Serious Thinks This Is Fair Pay”
Wright acknowledged the recent controversy surrounding Kelsey Plum, saying it was twisted out of context simply because Caitlin Clark’s name got involved. But he didn’t waste time calling out the real problem:
“The story is how many people are such utter losers. Nobody serious is arguing that WNBA players and NBA players should make the same money. But nobody serious can actually think Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers making $70-some grand a year is proper payment.”
He emphasized how absurd it is that someone with Caitlin Clark’s drawing power, popularity, and work ethic earns less than $80,000 a year.
“Is there any other capitalistic endeavor where someone of Caitlin Clark’s quality would make less than $80K? The answer is no,” he said.
Wright had strong words for those trying to silence WNBA players, calling them:
“Boot-licking management sellouts.…So many losers were just like, ‘Pipe down, ladies! Be happy.’ It’s outrageous,” he said.
Wright’s stance echoed what many fans have been saying for months, that the WNBA has long undervalued its stars and the conversation around profitability shouldn’t be used as a shield to avoid paying women fairly.
WNBA’s Pay Fight Isn’t Over
The viral t-shirt protest at the All-Star Game wasn’t just a moment. It’s part of a larger, growing movement inside the WNBA, and voices like Nick Wright’s are helping shift the narrative in the players’ favor.
As the CBA battle continues, expect more players, and now, prominent media figures, to demand change.
