WNBA Star Angel Reese Speaks Out on Salary Struggles and Financial Realities of Women’s Basketball

Angel Reese, a 22-year-old forward for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, has become one of the most well-known and promising players in the league. Despite her rising popularity and success on the court, Reese has been candid about the financial struggles that many female basketball players face, particularly regarding their salaries in a league where the pay is significantly lower than their male counterparts in the NBA.

In an era where women’s sports have seen a growing fanbase and media attention, Reese’s openness about the realities of playing in the WNBA has shined a light on an issue that has been widely discussed but not always fully addressed. Through her social media platforms, Reese has shared her thoughts and experiences regarding her income, illustrating just how challenging it can be to live on a WNBA salary.

The Financial Struggles: An Open Conversation

In October 2024, Reese took to social media to reveal the financial difficulties she faces despite being a rising star in women’s basketball. In a candid Instagram livestream, she shared that her WNBA salary of $73,000 was far from enough to cover her basic expenses. Specifically, she noted that her $8,000 monthly rent—totaling $96,000 annually—was more than her entire salary.

“I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese said, expressing frustration with the disparity between her income and her expenses. She continued, adding that the salary she earns from the WNBA isn’t sufficient to cover even one of her bills, including her car note. “I wouldn’t even be able to eat, I wouldn’t be able to live,” she stated, highlighting the struggles that many players in the WNBA face when it comes to financial security.

Her remarks resonated with many, as Reese is not alone in experiencing the financial strain that comes with playing in the WNBA. The league’s players are often forced to find additional sources of income, whether through endorsements, sponsorships, or off-season work to make ends meet. Despite the passion and skill on display during the season, the financial compensation for female athletes in basketball is still far behind their male counterparts.

Reese, however, also expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has had despite the financial challenges. “Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me,” she added. “Being able to make six figures within three months [in Unrivaled], being able to be housed in Miami, just being able to get better… I think it’s amazing.”

The Rise of Unrivaled: A Game-Changer for Women’s Basketball Salaries

One of the ways Reese has been able to supplement her WNBA salary is through her involvement in Unrivaled, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 basketball league that has garnered attention for offering the highest salaries in women’s sports history. The league, which features 36 WNBA players, offers average salaries reportedly close to $220,000, which is near the WNBA’s maximum base salary. Players in Unrivaled are not only paid well but are also offered equity in the organization, giving them a potential stake in the success of the league.

For Reese, the ability to make six figures within just a few months, thanks to Unrivaled, has made a significant difference. She has expressed that the additional income from the league, coupled with her endorsements, allows her to focus on improving her game and expanding her brand while still having the financial freedom to live comfortably. This development signals an exciting change in the landscape of women’s basketball, where players have more opportunities to earn lucrative salaries outside the traditional structure of the WNBA.

While Unrivaled’s salaries are impressive by women’s sports standards, they still pale in comparison to the earnings of NBA players, further highlighting the disparity in pay between male and female athletes. The highest-paid WNBA player, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, reportedly earns around $252,000 annually, significantly less than NBA stars like Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, who earned $51.9 million during the 2023/24 season.

The Gender Pay Gap in Professional Sports

Reese’s open discussion about her salary comes at a time when the gender pay gap in professional sports continues to be a topic of debate. Despite the growing popularity of women’s sports and the increasing investment in leagues like the WNBA, female athletes still earn a fraction of what their male counterparts make. This wage gap is particularly evident when comparing the WNBA to the NBA, which is consistently one of the most profitable sports leagues in the world.

While the WNBA has made strides in recent years with increased media coverage and sponsorship deals, the financial compensation for female players remains far behind that of NBA stars. NBA players have access to multi-million dollar contracts, massive endorsement deals, and lucrative sponsorships, making it possible for them to live extremely comfortable lifestyles. In contrast, WNBA players often face financial uncertainty and have to rely on additional income streams to make ends meet.

Reese’s public discussion of her financial struggles highlights the need for greater investment and support for women’s sports, both in terms of media exposure and financial compensation. Although women’s basketball has gained more recognition in recent years, the reality is that the pay gap still exists, and it’s something that many players, like Reese, continue to confront.

The Road Ahead: Change Is Coming, but Slowly

While the challenges surrounding wages in women’s basketball remain, there is hope for progress. As more sponsors and brands invest in women’s sports, the potential for higher salaries and better financial opportunities for athletes is increasing. Additionally, leagues like Unrivaled are paving the way for greater pay equity in women’s basketball by offering competitive salaries and empowering players with ownership stakes in the league.

However, significant changes are still needed at the institutional level, particularly within the WNBA. The league must continue to advocate for fairer pay and work towards creating an environment where female athletes are compensated for their skill, dedication, and the immense value they bring to the game. Reese’s voice in this conversation is important, as she is helping to shine a spotlight on the financial disparities that exist in women’s sports, and her story will likely inspire other athletes to speak out and demand change.

As women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity and influence, it is clear that the next generation of players will face fewer financial barriers, but it will take time. The conversations initiated by athletes like Angel Reese are an important first step toward achieving greater equality and equity in sports, and as the sport evolves, so too will the opportunities for women athletes to thrive both on and off the court.