WNBA star Angel Reese has made a startling revelation about her salary, highlighting the financial challenges faced by professional female basketball players. During an Instagram Live session following her attendance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City, the 22-year-old Chicago Sky forward candidly shared that her WNBA earnings alone were insufficient to cover her basic living expenses.
“I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” Reese confessed during the livestream, emphasizing the financial strain she endures. She disclosed that her monthly rent in Chicago amounts to a staggering $8,000, a figure that exceeds her basketball income. After crunching the numbers, Reese expressed disbelief, exclaiming, “I’m living beyond my means!”
In 2024, Angel Reese signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Sky valued at $324,383. According to Spotrac, she is projected to earn $73,439 for the 2024 WNBA season. However, like many WNBA players, Reese supplements her salary through lucrative brand partnerships and endorsements. Notably, she has secured deals with prominent companies such as Reebok, Beats by Dre, Tampax, and Amazon, collectively yielding an estimated $1.8 million in additional income.
The disparity in earnings between male and female basketball players has sparked outrage among fans and advocates for gender equality in sports. Fellow WNBA star Caitlin Clark recently signed a rookie contract with the Indiana Fever worth $338,056 over four years, drawing attention to the vast difference in compensation compared to male athletes. Criticism over the gender pay gap in basketball has even reached the highest levels of government, with US President Joe Biden advocating for equitable pay for female athletes.
Despite generating an estimated $60 million annually from media rights and licensing agreements, the WNBA’s financial standing pales in comparison to the staggering valuations of NBA teams. While the average NBA franchise is valued at approximately $3.85 billion, marquee teams like the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers exceed $6 billion in worth, according to Forbes.
Angel Reese’s candid remarks highlight the systemic challenges faced by female athletes in achieving financial security and recognition on par with their male counterparts. As discussions around gender pay equity in sports gain traction, advocates continue to push for fair compensation and opportunities for women in professional athletics.