In a shocking revelation, WNBA star Angel Reese has stated that her $73,439 rookie salary with the Chicago Sky isn’t enough to cover her everyday expenses. Reese, one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball, sparked major debate when she admitted that her WNBA paycheck doesn’t even cover her rent.
A Salary That Doesn’t Add Up?
Reese, who was drafted by the Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, recently shared that her monthly rent alone is $8,000—a total of $96,000 per year, exceeding her WNBA earnings. “I just hope y’all know, the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said in a viral video. “I don’t even think it pays one of my bills.”
Why Is This Happening?
There are a few key reasons why Reese’s WNBA salary falls short of covering her lifestyle:
✔ WNBA Salaries Are Low Compared to Other Pro Sports – The average WNBA salary is significantly lower than the NBA, where even bench players earn millions. Reese’s salary is in line with most rookies, but still far below top-tier earnings in men’s leagues.
✔ High Cost of Living – With WNBA players often needing to live in major cities with expensive housing markets, a salary under $75,000 doesn’t stretch far—especially when factoring in taxes and other expenses.
✔ Short WNBA Season – The WNBA season is much shorter than the NBA’s, and players don’t have the same massive television and sponsorship deals boosting their league revenue.
So How Does Angel Reese Pay Her Bills?
Fortunately, Reese isn’t entirely dependent on her WNBA salary. Thanks to lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Hershey’s Reese’s Pieces, she reportedly earns millions from sponsorships. These deals allow her to afford a lifestyle that the WNBA alone cannot sustain.
The Bigger Conversation: WNBA Pay Gap
Reese’s comments have reignited the longstanding debate about the pay gap in women’s sports. Many argue that WNBA players deserve higher salaries—especially as the league grows in popularity. However, others point out that until revenue increases through TV deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales, raising salaries remains a challenge.
What’s Next for Reese and the WNBA?
Despite the low salary, Reese is poised to become one of the biggest stars in the league, and her marketability will continue to bring in endorsements. However, her statement highlights the ongoing struggles of many WNBA players who don’t have major endorsement deals and rely solely on their league salary.
As more stars like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, and JuJu Watkins enter the WNBA, the push for higher salaries and better financial support will only grow louder.
Final Thoughts
Angel Reese’s revelation is eye-opening—how can a professional athlete in one of the biggest women’s leagues in the world not afford her living expenses on her base salary? Until WNBA salaries increase, players like Reese will continue to depend on outside income to sustain their careers.
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