For years, the conversation around pay equity in women’s sports has simmered—but Breanna Stewart has been turning up the heat since the moment she stepped onto the WNBA stage. A two-time champion and one of the league’s most recognizable faces, Stewart has spent her career not just collecting titles, but fighting for fairness, recognition, and opportunity.
“I’m trying to understand why we, as professional female athletes, don’t receive anywhere near the fame,” Stewart declared during her 2016 ESPYs Athlete of the Year acceptance speech. That statement wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a call to action that continues to resonate nearly a decade later.
Stewart’s advocacy recently took center stage in the documentary Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story, which explores the relentless pursuit of equality in the WNBA. From pay parity to support for mothers in the league, Stewart has consistently used her platform to push for meaningful change. “We [need as much] help as possible for moms in this league. There are a lot of babies, which is really cool, but we need to make sure that we have all the help and benefits that we need,” she explained.
Now, at a critical crossroads in her career, Stewart and her peers are evaluating their collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which runs from 2020 to 2027. “We’re at a pivotal time because we have the opportunity to stay in the current CBA or opt out after the season,” Stewart said, highlighting the stakes of the negotiations. One of the biggest talking points? Pensions for retired players, a move that would provide financial security for those who laid the groundwork for today’s league. “It’s a way to give back to the ones that got us to this point,” Stewart said.
But Stewart isn’t just fighting for today—she’s building opportunities for tomorrow. Alongside fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier, she’s cofounding Unrivaled, a revolutionary three-on-three women’s basketball league set to debut in January 2025 during the WNBA offseason. The league, which already boasts support from high-profile media and sports investors, will pay players six-figure salaries, offer equity stakes, and allow athletes to stay in the U.S. rather than heading overseas for higher pay.
“This is amazing — a league where people are home, but in a different city than normal WNBA markets,” Stewart said. “When you go overseas and have kids, you miss out on a lot. You’re also not being seen by the fans or your peers. This will make sure you stay relevant in the months the WNBA is not happening.”
The launch of Unrivaled is about more than money—it’s about visibility, relevance, and control over their careers. Stewart’s work ensures that female athletes don’t have to choose between professional success and personal life, a challenge that has long plagued women’s sports.
In Footwear News’ August issue, Stewart and fellow star A’ja Wilson, of the Las Vegas Aces, discussed their activism, signature shoes, and the responsibilities they feel as role models for the next generation of female athletes. Their voices aren’t just heard—they’re sparking conversations, demanding equity, and reshaping the future of the WNBA.
Breanna Stewart is more than a basketball player. She’s a trailblazer, a visionary, and a fighter whose impact will echo long after the final buzzer sounds. As the WNBA moves into uncharted territory with negotiations, new leagues, and a growing spotlight, Stewart stands at the center of a movement that’s bigger than any championship—it’s about equality, opportunity, and leaving a legacy.
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