

Kylie Kelce, wife of former NFL player Jason Kelce, has expressed support for WNBA players amid their ongoing push for higher compensation and a revised revenue-sharing agreement.
Speaking on a recent episode of her podcast, Kelce emphasized the importance of fair pay for female athletes and backed the players’ efforts to secure more equitable treatment from the league.
“This feels like we’re playing and figuring something out,” Kelce explained, referencing the players’ calls for the WNBA to address longstanding compensation issues.
She stated that the athletes are demanding accountability from the league, using their performance and visibility to reinforce their demands.
“Players are just looking for a bigger share of the revenue,” she added.
Kelce refused to buckle under pressure
Kelce directly challenged critics who argue that WNBA athletes should not receive salaries comparable to their male counterparts.
“The people whose argument is that they are not bringing in as much money as the men can kick rocks. Because that is not what the WNBA [players] are trying to do,” Kelce said.
“We need to make sure that our female athletes know that they can be compensated appropriately for being someone worth following.
“They are role models to young women everywhere, and they are bringing in the revenue that they should get a share of.”
Her comments coincide with growing tension between WNBA players and league leadership.
Ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, members of Team Clark and Team Collier wore warm-up shirts displaying the message, “Pay us what you owe us,” in front of a sold-out crowd exceeding 16,000.
The statement followed a recent meeting between more than 40 players and WNBA officials, which failed to produce a new collective bargaining agreement.
The current CBA, which players opted out of, has been the subject of criticism for its limited benefits and low salary thresholds.
The players are seeking a new agreement that includes higher base pay, improved benefits, a softened salary cap, and a more balanced revenue-sharing structure.
According to MarketWatch, WNBA players currently receive approximately 9.3% of the league’s total revenue, including proceeds from television rights, ticket sales, and merchandise.
In contrast, NBA players receive between 49% and 51% of the league’s basketball-related income.
Kelce‘s statements reflect broader public and industry support for addressing gender-based pay disparities in professional sports.
Her remarks have added to the visibility of the issue, reinforcing the argument that WNBA athletes, who are contributing to the league’s growth and marketability, should receive compensation reflective of their value.
As negotiations continue, the WNBA faces increased pressure from players, advocates, and supporters to implement a new framework that addresses financial equity and recognizes the role of athletes in driving the league’s success.
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