During her Not Gonna Lie podcast episode on Thursday, Kylie Kelce, wife of NFL player Jason Kelce, spoke about the ongoing WNBA players’ effort, including Caitlin Clark, to secure higher wages. She drew attention to the growing revenues within the league and scrutinized the players’ collective bargaining demands related to pay adjustments.
Kylie also revisited comments made by WNBA star Napheesa Collier from the previous week, emphasizing the financial contributions and hard work of the current players seeking a fair share of the league’s profits.
“You nailed that,” Kylie said. “This feels very much like ‘f*** around and find out’ energy. The league f****d around, the players said, find out, check out my shirt, you know? These WNBA players currently make 9 % of the league’s revenue. The new media rights for the WNBA in 2026 are skyrocketing. They will be worth $2.2 billion, a six times increase compared to what the previous agreement was.
“9 % may have been set while the revenue was significantly lower. Players, they’re just looking for a larger share of the revenue. And this is an important point. They are not looking to be paid as much as the men.
“A lot of people, when they take issue with these conversations, the people whose argument is that they are not bringing in as much money as the men can kick rocks. Because that’s not what the WNBA is trying to do. They’re not trying to meet the men. They are just trying to get a higher percentage of the league’s revenue, which makes a lot of sense.”
WNBA Players Protest Pay Disparity with All-Star Outfits
Last week, many WNBA athletes wore customized attire before the All-Star game to protest the current salary structure. These players, led by prominent figures including Caitlin Clark, made it clear that they seek a fairer slice of the increasing league revenue, not parity with their male counterparts. The response from the league to these demands has yet to be determined as discussions continue.
The Sporting Background of Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce’s Career Highlights
Kylie Kelce, a former field hockey player, competed at Lower Merion High School and continued her sports career as a four-year starting defender at Cabrini University, earning several honors. Her experience in athletics adds depth to her perspective on sports-related pay issues.
Her husband, Jason Kelce, has had a notable NFL career as a center with the Philadelphia Eagles for 13 years. He has been selected to seven Pro Bowls and celebrated a Super Bowl victory in 2018. The couple married in April 2018 and have four children.
Implications of the Pay Dispute for the WNBA’s Future
The WNBA’s rising media rights value and increased revenue highlight a growing financial opportunity for players. As Caitlin Clark and others lead the charge for higher salaries, the league faces mounting pressure to negotiate terms that reflect this growth. How the league responds could influence player relations, fan engagement, and the broader discussion of equity in professional sports going forward.