WNBA Faces Trademark Battle Amid Pay Equity Storm
Oct/03/2025
The Women’s Basketball League has lodged an opposition against WNBA Enterprises over the 'Cleveland Rockers' trademark, alleging that the filing for sports apparel—including shirts, hats, and jerseys — conflicts with its own earlier trademark covering entertainment services in the nature of live basketball games and exhibitions, as well as the production and distribution of radio and television broadcasts of such events (Class 41). The dispute thus concerns not only an identical name but also overlapping classifications, heightening the legal stakes. The challenge comes as the WNBA itself grapples with mounting criticism over player compensation, despite a record-breaking 2025 season in both attendance and revenue. Players such as Napheesa Collier have accused league officials of reaping unprecedented profits while allocating them an ever-smaller share—less than 7% of league revenues, compared with the NBA’s 50% split with its players. Franchise values have soared, with the New York Liberty’s valuation rising from under $15 million to $450 million in six years. As the collective bargaining agreement expires on October 31st, the league faces dual reckonings: one in the courtroom over intellectual property, and another in the public arena over pay equity and transparency.
