“We’re Not Asking for LeBron Money”: Kelsey Plum Demands Fair Revenue Share, Not Equal Salaries, in Bold Callout of WNBA’s Pay Gap

Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum sparks nationwide debate after calling out revenue disparity in WNBA — “They sell my jersey, and I don’t see a dime.”

In an era where women’s sports are finally beginning to receive the attention and support they’ve long deserved, Kelsey Plum, star guard of the Las Vegas Aces, is stepping up not just on the court — but in the fight for economic justice.

Appearing on “The Residency Podcast,” the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game MVP ignited a firestorm of conversation on Monday by addressing a hot-button issue: the massive gap in revenue sharing between the WNBA and NBA.

But Plum wasn’t asking for the same pay as male players. She was asking for something far more reasonable — and far more revealing.

“We’re not asking to get paid what the men get paid,” Plum said.
“We’re asking to receive the same percentage of revenue shared. It’s a massive misconception. I don’t think I should be paid the same as LeBron. But if you’re selling my jersey at Mandalay Bay, and I don’t get a dime from that — that’s the problem.”

With that single statement, Plum did more than just complain. She exposed a flawed system that many sports fans — and even fellow athletes — don’t fully understand.

The Pay Gap: What the Numbers Say

According to a report by The Athletic, for the 2023 season, WNBA player salaries ranged from $62,285 to $234,936.

By contrast, NBA players receive about 50% of all league-generated revenue, including income from merchandise, media rights, and ticket sales. WNBA players, however, receive only 20% of shared revenue.

It’s not just about base salaries — it’s about the slice of the pie that players are allowed to take home from the wealth they help create.

“In the NBA, players get a share of the revenue — including jersey sales and TV deals,” Plum explained.
“Each year, those deals keep getting bigger. That’s because their CBA ensures players get their cut. In the WNBA, that’s not the case.”

This stark contrast has become a focal point for WNBA players and advocates who argue that true equality in sports means more than just visibility — it means equity.

The Misconception: Equal Pay vs. Equal Share

Much of the backlash against women athletes demanding better pay comes from a fundamental misunderstanding. Many critics believe WNBA players want NBA-level salaries, which isn’t economically feasible given the current revenue difference between the two leagues.

But that’s not the argument players like Plum are making.

“I’m not saying I should make $40 million a year like some of the NBA guys,” she clarified.
“What I’m saying is, if I help you generate millions, I should get a fair percentage of that. That’s what the men get. We’re just asking for the same model.”

This distinction — between equal pay and equal revenue share — is crucial. It reframes the conversation from one of envy to one of basic fairness.

The Hidden Costs of Visibility

While the WNBA has made great strides in recent years, including rising attendance, increased media coverage, and growing sponsorships, many players still struggle with offseason financial insecurity. Most WNBA athletes — including stars — play overseas during the offseason to supplement their income.

Some of these overseas contracts pay more than their WNBA salaries.

Ironically, playing overseas often comes with greater risks, from physical burnout to geopolitical dangers — as tragically seen in the case of Brittney Griner, who was detained in Russia in 2022 while playing internationally.

Kelsey Plum’s comments touch on this economic reality. WNBA players aren’t just underpaid — they’re underprotected, too.

What’s at Stake: More Than Money

Plum’s bold stance reflects a larger trend across women’s sports. Whether it’s soccer, tennis, or basketball, female athletes are increasingly refusing to stay silent about the economic and cultural inequalities they face.

In 2022, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team reached a historic agreement with U.S. Soccer for equal pay. That success story has inspired athletes across disciplines to demand more than just applause — they want compensation that reflects their contribution.

“If you’re profiting off our labor, we deserve to share in that profit,” Plum said.
“It’s not about ego. It’s about dignity.”

Fan Reactions: Support, Confusion, and Outrage

Following the podcast clip’s release, fans and sports commentators flooded social media with reactions ranging from strong support to aggressive pushback.

Some praised Plum’s poise and clarity.

“Kelsey Plum didn’t just speak facts, she gave a masterclass in how to address pay inequality,” one tweet read.
“This isn’t about being paid like LeBron. It’s about being paid like a professional.”

Others, however, fell back on familiar narratives:

“WNBA doesn’t bring in enough money. You want NBA salaries? Bring NBA ratings.”

But that’s the point Plum keeps returning to — it’s not about total revenue, it’s about how the revenue is shared.

Merch, Media, and Missed Opportunities

Another sticking point Plum raised: jersey sales.

“They sell my jersey at Mandalay Bay. I don’t see a cent of that,” she revealed.

This raises a critical question: Where does that money go?

If a fan buys a Plum jersey, under the current WNBA structure, that money likely goes to the league or team ownership, with little (if any) passed down to the athlete whose name and image made the sale happen.

In the NBA, players receive a cut of merch sales as part of their collective bargaining agreement. Plum and her fellow WNBA athletes are pushing for the same structure — not because they think they’re entitled to riches, but because they earn it.

Is Change Coming?

The WNBA has made moves in the right direction. In 2020, the league signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that improved salaries, travel conditions, and maternity benefits.

But even with those gains, many players — including stars like Plum — believe the system is still tilted in favor of ownership and broadcasters, not athletes.

“We’ve got the product. We’ve got the talent. What we don’t have is the infrastructure to benefit from it fairly,” Plum said.

Her words echo growing sentiment within the player community that real change won’t happen until the revenue model itself is restructured.

What Comes Next?

Kelsey Plum’s comments aren’t just a moment — they’re part of a movement. A movement to change how women’s sports are funded, covered, and respected.

She’s not alone. Other stars — including A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sue Bird — have also spoken out about pay equity and fair treatment.

The pressure is mounting — from fans, sponsors, and even lawmakers. The WNBA, now in its 28th season, faces a turning point: will it continue operating under outdated structures, or rise to meet the moment?

Final Thoughts: It’s Time for a New Standard

Kelsey Plum didn’t just criticize the system — she offered a solution: treat WNBA players the same way NBA players are treated when it comes to revenue sharing.

Not the same money.
Not the same fame.
Just the same fairness.

“We’re just asking for the same percentage. If we help you build something, let us share in what we built.”

It’s hard to argue with that