Following Letter to WNBA, Rep. Craig Joins Democratic Women’s Caucus, WNBPA to Call for Fair Pay for Female Athletes

 WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined fellow members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), as well as Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and representatives from the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association (WNBPA) to push for fair pay for female athletes. On a press call, the Members urged the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to bargain in good faith with the WNBPA to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the October 31 deadline.

The press call follows a letter from Rep. Craig, fellow House Democrats and members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus to the WNBA urging the league to reach a fair CBA that considers players’ requests before the upcoming deadline. In the letter, the Members put pressure on the league to continue negotiations, which have stalled, and address the needs of players – particularly when it comes to fair compensation and revenue sharing.

“It takes the same amount of grit, dedication and skill for women to excel in their sport than it does men,” said Rep. Craig in her remarks. “So why doesn’t their pay reflect that? I’m sick and tired of hearing excuses from leadership – in men and women’s sports alike – about why they can’t pay women athletes fairly.”  

“WNBA athletes are making waves on and off the court,” she continued. “And not only that – they're making money for the WNBA. It’s time to pay them what they are owed.”

Rep. Craig has been a staunch advocate for fair pay for female athletes. In July, Rep. Craig took to the House Floor to challenge WNBA leadership and call for pay raises for female athletes.

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