Between the Lines: Where Policy Meets Pop Culture

What do the WNBA, equal pay, and voting have in common? More than you’d think. But before we break it down, let’s set the stage. The WNBA has been breaking records all season. From packed-out arenas to climbing viewership, the league’s influence stretches far beyond the court. Just take a look at this [[link removed]], this [[link removed]], and this [[link removed]]!

But what makes the league is the players. We’ve seen the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts, and we’ve heard the chants. This moment isn’t just about basketball salaries. It’s about the power structures around them that don’t match their impact. The WNBA’s pay gap is one more reflection of that truth.

Here’s the reality: WNBA players receive just 9.3% of league revenue. In comparison, NBA players take home about 50% of basketball-related income. Despite the WNBA's rapid growth, its players are still battling for the basic recognition that their hard work and influence deserve. It's a situation that should make us all pause and question.

The question isn’t whether women are working hard enough, breaking records, or selling tickets. The question is, will the systems built around them decide to value them equally?

And this is where our power lies. Voting shapes policy. It determines whether lawmakers pass or block legislation, such as the Paycheck Fairness Act [[link removed]]. It shapes workplace protections, wage transparency laws, and the enforcement of labor standards. When we vote, we are choosing leaders who decide whether women get paid fairly, whether their workplaces are safe, and whether equality is more than a slogan. It's a responsibility we all share.

So yes, when the players fight for equal pay, it becomes bigger than basketball. They’re fighting for all of us who were told our work and our time aren’t worth it. And when we show up at the ballot box, we’re fighting for them, too. If you're not registered to vote [[link removed]], do it now. If you are, encourage others to do the same.

Because equal pay isn’t just a sports headline — it’s a ballot issue.

— Nandi

Nandi Henderson
Associate Director, Digital Engagement
When We All Vote 🗳️

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